AS RUGBY clubs all over the UK get ready for the mammoth final test between the British & Irish Lions and the All Blacks tomorrow, local solicitor, Gareth Jones, and his daughter Sian, will be flying up from Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand to attend the game, as their tour reaches its pinnacle.

The two have been following the Lions raising money for a charity – Sport Against Cancer – dressed in full lions’ suits.

They have travelled both islands as the ‘Leaping Lions’ leaping off ski slopes, bungee leaping off the world famous Kawarau River Bridge in Queenstown and will cap it off with a 15,000 feet skydive in Taupo after the final test.

Jones, who has acted as a solicitor for Weymouth Football Club, told Echosport: “We travelled without match tickets but have got into all three tests and the midweek games since we arrived.

“The rugby side has been amazing and it’s awesome that the Lions still have a chance to make history. It’s been very special as we have managed to meet many of the Lions’ team and several All Blacks too. The crack with the supporters and the tremendous welcome from the Kiwi people have added to a dream trip.”

He added: “While the rugby has been great, we came here to raise money for Sport Against Cancer and that has gone really well. We have passed our target of £10,000.

“The icing on the cake was being invited in our Lions suits to attend the 20th Champions Luncheon in support of The Child Cancer Foundation, at the world famous Te Papa centre in Wellington. There were 12 All Black legends attending and the function raised over $236,000 for the charity.

“We were delighted to raise $8,000 ourselves by auctioning a trip to the Wales v New Zealand autumn international, and we are really looking forward to showing the same sort of hospitality to the family when they come over.

“The true spirit and joy of the trip was meeting and being thanked by the families of the poor kids with cancer at the Te Papa event.

“We saw in them the true strength and courage, which the rugby can’t hope to match. We are also honoured to be invited to a primary school in Queenstown where the kids will lay down a Haka challenge to us before the game. It’s been such a positive and exhilarating experience.”

And with the dream adventure coming to an end, Jones spoke out to thank those who have boosted the charity mission.

“I would like to thank local firms SME Kitchens and Pepcon for their support and the substantial contributions from NGS Plc and Rustem Guardian LLP to Sport Against Cancer,” he said.

“I must also thank ‘Team Fury’ as Hughie Fury has agreed to donate part of his fee from his upcoming world heavyweight title bout with Joseph Parker to Sport Against Cancer, and we aim to attend the press conference for the fight to ask Parker to match Hughie Fury’s donation.”

*Anyone interested in making a donation can contact Gareth on gbj1962@icloud.com