RUGBY stars tackled schoolchildren in a fundraising afternoon in honour of Oscar Saxelby-Lee – the city schoolboy fighting a rare form of leukaemia.

Worcester Warriors players Ben Te'o, Chris Pennell, Duncan Weir, Dean Hammond and Jack Singleton played tag rugby and other games with children at Pitmaston Primary School, who donated to wear sports kits for the day.

They raised £511.10 for Ronald McDonald House, the charity that provides free accommodation for the families of children in hospital which has been providing support during Oscar’s battle.

A mass appeal that inspired more than 10,000 to join the donor register found a match shortly after Oscar had been given three months to live with his loved ones able to be on hand thanks to the house.

READ MORE | Oscar finds stem cell match after mass appeal 

READ MORE | Plea to help Oscar Saxelby-Lee

Oscar’s mum Olivia Saxelby said: “For months we were split apart which was incredibly difficult and added to the strain we were under.

“Having somewhere to stay next door to the hospital meant we were never really far apart and after five straight months in hospital, Oscar’s first outing was to Ronald McDonald house.

“He instantly fell in love which was heartwarming to see, he made himself at home away from the four walls he had never been able escape from.

“This house supplies us with a bedroom, bathroom, shared kitchen, communal lounge and washing facilities and they even support the needs of parents from a friendly chat to pamper days.

“They go above and beyond for everyone and could not do this without fundraising, they solely rely on charity.

“As we head into the stem cell transplant next week this home from home will continue to be our secure base where we can grab a sense of normality, allowing us and others to build up the strength to keep going.”

Pitmaston headteacher Kate Wilcock said: “I am really thrilled we have raised more than £500 for the Ronald McDonald charity which is really important to Oscar and his family.

“The day was a huge success, I know the children were really sad Oscar could not be here but we were all thinking of him.

"Everyone had a fantastic time playing games with the Worcester Warriors who we are incredibly grateful to. They were great.”

A signed Warriors ball and t-shirt will be raffled to raise more cash with another signed t-shirt making its way to Oscar.