The most famous referee in world rugby Nigel Owens has offered his whistle-blowing services for free in aid of a charity match for a seven-year-old boy who lost his hands and legs to meningitis.
Rugby-mad Luke Mortimer developed sepsis when he fell ill with bacterial meningitis in December, and had to undergo the amputations when his limbs became gangrenous.
The youngster from Skipton, Yorkshire, plays for the local club with his brother Harry, 10, while father Adam is a coach.
Family friends launched an appeal to raise money to enable the Mortimers to fund modifications to their home and specialist medical equipment, and it had so far raised over £49,000.
They are also holding a benefit match in aid of Luke at the club, and local business Yorkshire Dales Bushcraft tweeted 2015 Rugby World Cup final referee Owens to ask how much it would cost for him to attend the game.
Owens, who officiated in the All Blacks' World Cup semi-final defeat to England last year, was only too happy to help out.
"It would cost you nothing at all for me to referee the game for the young lad. It would be an honour to so. Will DM you my contact to see if I can make it work," the Welshman replied.
Owens is set to take charge of his 98th Test on February 2 when he blows the whistle on the France v England clash at the Stade de France on the opening weekend of the Six Nations Championship.
He is also in the French capital the following weekend when he runs the line on Les Bleus' match with Italy with Cardiff-born referee Andrew Brace the match official.
And Owens is hoping to travel to Yorkshire at the end of next month to take charge of the Luke Mortimer fundraiser.
