Falmouth's Dracaena Centre has received thousands of pounds in donations for sensory equipment in memory of a popular Cornish rugby mentor and coach. 

The £3,810 donation was raised by Penryn Rugby Club and Falmouth Rotary in memory of popular Penryn College PE teacher and deputy head Dave Thomas, known as Benji to all. 

Benji was also a coach and a mentor with Cornwall RFU before his death aged 83 in February 2022. 

Benji passionately believed in supporting the local children and young people of Penryn and Falmouth. 

Falmouth Packet: Falmouth Rotary Club President Michael Davies, with Kate Springfield (Centre) - Dracaena Centre Youth & Family Services Manager, and Clair Allen (Right), Family Support Lead worker.Falmouth Rotary Club President Michael Davies, with Kate Springfield (Centre) - Dracaena Centre Youth & Family Services Manager, and Clair Allen (Right), Family Support Lead worker. (Image: Dracaena Centre)

The donation will go towards sensory equipment at the Dracaena Centre and will include one-to-one support, trips for young people and supporting parents and children emotionally in a six-week workshop. 

READ NEXT: 

Dave ‘Benji’ Thomas death of Cornish rugby legend announced

William and Kate visit Dracaena Centre in Falmouth

Youth and Family manager, Kate Springfield said: "This is such a fantastic opportunity and we are so grateful for this donation. 

"It will provide essential equipment and support for children and young people and we are all very excited." 

Falmouth Packet: Parents in the 'Little Steps' toddler groupParents in the 'Little Steps' toddler group (Image: Dracaena Centre)

The Dracaena Centre Youth and Family Service provide early years, children, youth work, trauma-informed support and parental and carers support - including one-to-one and small group work, clubs, sports, family support, street-based, outreached youth work, alternative education opportunities and holiday clubs. 

If you would like to find out more about the services available for children, young people and families contact admin@dracaenacentre.org or call 01326 319414