Sale Sharks lock Nathan Hines admits paying back the community that supports them so religiously on the pitch is the least his side can do, after backing Brainwave to enter the Aviva Community Fund.
A nationwide initiative launched on Tuesday, the Aviva Community Fund offers support and funding of up £25,000 to causes and projects that are put forward by the public.
As well as turning out on 10 occasions in Aviva Premiership Rugby this season for the Sharks, former Scottish international Hines has helped the club make their link to Brainwave.
The charity seeks to help children with additional needs, and now reaches out to over 600 in total with physical, sensory, learning, cognitive and behavioural difficulties.
Brainwave makes huge improvements to the lives of these children, so that they can achieve their true potential through a range of educational and physical therapies.
And 38-year-old Hines is hoping this worthwhile cause is something everyone in the Sale rugby community can get behind.
“The Aviva Community Fund is a really worthwhile initiative,” he said.
“To use rugby as a vehicle to raise awareness for charities that might not often get the same level of exposure, and for Aviva to be involved, is fantastic.
“There are kids that need help, and there are parents that need help too. Obviously as a parent you want to help your kids as much as you can, and in conjunction with Brainwave you can help them with their development, and unlock their potential.
“Most rugby communities are really tight-knit and passionate about the sport, and I think Sale are really in tune with the community.
“With things like the Aviva Community Fund, the community are then aware of what we are trying to achieve and raising more awareness of that for the initiative and charities.
“The community are always there for us, they come on down to the AJ Bell Stadium and support us. So it’s good for us to give something back to them with our time, as we can’t train all day every day, and we want to take the time to help people out.”
Nathan Hines was speaking about his support of Brainwave at the Aviva Community Fund launch, a nationwide initiative from Aviva, title sponsor of Aviva Premiership Rugby, which offers support and funding to causes close to your heart. Visit aviva.co.uk/community-fund
