The new Handstand Appeal rugby shirt, sponsored by Skinners Brewery, is launched by Phil Vickery and modelled by two-year-old Marshall Janson and his parents

Former England captain and World Cup winner Phil Vickery has helped launch a new charity rugby shirt sponsored by Skinners Brewery.

It has been created in support of the Handstand Appeal for two-year-old Cornish meningitis victim Marshall Janson.

The new shirt will be sold alongside the Handstand Appeal’s original rugby shirt, also sponsored by Skinners, which was launched in February and sold out almost immediately.

Marshall and his Mum and Dad, Stephanie and Moss, met Phil to launch the new shirt which Phil’s clothing company, Raging Bull, is manufacturing on behalf of the appeal.

“It was such a pleasure to meet Phil and he was so kind to Marshall. He gave him two special little shirts of his own,” said Stephanie.

Appeal co-ordinator Gerry Reilly recalled: “Phil has supported the Handstand Appeal since it was set up and Raging Bull provided the kit for the Handstand Harlequins when they made their first appearance at the Penryn Sevens Tournament last year.”

“We needed a second shirt because we have two teams representing the Handstand Harlequins taking part in this year’s Penryn Sevens.”

“Raging Bull” Phil commented: “I think the Handstand Appeal is doing a great job in raising funds to help Marshall and also helping to raise awareness about meningitis. As a dad, I know that meningitis is every parent’s worst nightmare. Marshall is a very brave little boy and it was a great pleasure to finally meet him.”

Both the Handstand rugby shirts are available, priced £39.95, through Lovell Rugby www.lovellrugby.co.uk.