BRADFORD Bulls will use their upcoming Championship game to honour the life of a fan's 16-month-old baby who sadly died last month.

Rycroft Alport Foster tragically passed away at Great Ormond Street Hospital following complications from a bone marrow transplant, necessitated by the rare genetic condition Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS).

Rycroft’s father, Andrew Foster, is a lifelong Bradford fan. He grew up in the city but later moved down south after meeting his partner.

Rycroft was named after his great-grandfather Donald Rycroft Foster, who was in attendance when Bradford Northern shocked the touring Australian Kangaroos 7-5 in 1933.

Fans will pay tribute to Rycroft in the 16th minute of Monday's game by applauding and singing in his honour.

Barrow Raiders will visit Odsal for the Championship tournament on July 31.

Fans are encouraged to wear purple, yellow and green - the colours which Rycroft's grandma Susan used to knit him a Bradford cardigan, which was his favourite and last item of clothing.

Bradford Bulls’ general manager Tracey Erby said: “Along with the rest of the Rugby League community, we were deeply saddened to learn of Rycroft’s tragic passing last month.

"We will be holding a bucket collection, as well as a number of other tributes at our game against Barrow on Monday to show our support to Rycroft’s family and raise vital funds for the three hospitals/charities who cared for Rycroft.

"We would kindly ask our fans to support where they can on the day.

"The club sends its condolences to Rycroft’s nearest and dearest at this difficult time."

Dad Andrew said: "I am deeply grateful to everyone at Bradford Bulls for their kindness and consideration of a little boy who never got the chance to come to Odsal.

"This was his club and it is a huge consolation to the family that he will be recognised in this way."

He added: "We want to use the opportunity to raise awareness of the need for more bone marrow donors, and raise funds for the charities that we have chosen in order to help children in the future like Rycroft recover and go home, happy and healthy.” 

Bradford Bulls are also sharing the JustGiving page set up in Rycroft’s memory, allowing fans to help support Great Ormond Street Hospital, Colchester Children’s Ward and SDS UK.

Almost £40,000 has been raised so far with the rugby league community really coming together for the Foster family.

If you would like to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Remembering-Rycroft?s=09