DONATIONS to the value of £200,000, raised in the name of an inspirational Tynedale farmer, have been handed over to six good causes.

At a milestone event for the Stay Strong Stu campaign, which officially became a registered charity on May 12, family and friends of Wark's Stuart Ridley continued their work to keep his memory alive.

A crowd of 600 gathered at Corbridge's Tynedale Park for Stu's Super Saturday - aimed at replicating the success of last May's Super Sunday, which took place just weeks before the popular Tynedale player died from an inoperable brain tumour, aged just 25.

"The whole day was absolutely tremendous," said Stuart's mother, Celia, who admitted feeling a mixture of emotions in the lead up to the event.

"I was anxious, nervous, excited and emotional, all in one bottle," she explained.

"It's taken an awful lot of generosity and random acts of kindness to get us to this point.

"All corners of the community really have pulled together and we would love to make this an annual event."

Thanks to the diligence of The Charity Commission, who approved the organisation's application within a fortnight, the family-friendly, rugby themed event was used as a platform to present money to charities which had supported Stu during the five months he battled for his life.

The Brain Tumour Charity and the Northumberland branch of Wooden Spoon, the children's rugby charity which works to ensure all youngsters have equal opportunities, each received £65,000.

"We're speaking to the Brain Tumour Charity about which area of research we'd like the money to be used for," added Celia who, along with husband Melvin and sons Kevin and Stephen, remains determined to raise awareness of the disease.

Hexham-based Tynedale Hospice at Home, which works to support and care for people with a terminal illness and their families, was presented with £25,000.

Celia said: "To put it into context, that money will almost cover the cost of transporting people to and from hospital appointments for a whole year."

Ward 34 at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital, the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Rainbow Trust also received £15,000 each.

Stu spent three weeks on Ward 34, which specialises in caring for young adults, up to the age of 25. And it's there where the support services of the other two charities can be accessed by families when they need them the most.

"We managed to get Stuart home, with the support of full nursing care, but he was on the ward for a while," said Celia.

"They have rainbow lighting on the ceiling, televisions, and everything geared towards the young people."

Stuart died at home in Wark on July 14 but his legacy was alive and well on Saturday as four teams took to the pitch.

A team of Tynedale Veterans and Colts played Tynedale Hopper Legends before a Farmers and Academics game at 3pm.

Touch rugby games, live music by The Forgotten Souls from Allendale, a bouncy castle, food stalls and disco kept the crowds entertained.

Hexham's MP Guy Opperman, who took part in a touch rugby games as part of event, said: "It was an amazing day and celebration of an inspirational young man.

"It was also a rugby festival and then a great party afterwards in the glorious sunshine.

"I felt it was so important to support the efforts of Celia and all those behind Stay Strong Stu because the work they are doing will really make a difference to individual patients and will help save lives."