A rugby international from Bradford has dedicated his benefit season to a former team-mate who was killed by cancer at the age of 29.

Steve Ravenscroft, a centre with one of England's top clubs, Saracens, wants to convert interest in his benefit season into cash for the Alex Boag Sarcoma Fund.

Alex, who grew up in Bingley where his parents Bill and Jane still live, played alongside Steve for Bradford Grammar School and Yorkshire schools before going to Oxford University where he gained a double first-class honours degree.

The high-flier who excelled in study, sport and work died in November 1998 following a two-year battle against sarcoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the body's soft tissues.

Now Steve, 29, who also grew up in Bingley and has two England caps, has agreed to donate part of the profits from his benefit year to the fund set up by Alex's family to support research into sarcoma.

The rugby professional - given the benefit after ten years with London-based Saracens -- said: "I'd kept in touch with Alex since school so I knew about the fund. I wanted to associate my benefit season with a charity and it was the first thing I thought of because of my personal contact.

"It's not a very well-known illness and the more funds there are to research it the more likely they are to find a treatment.''

Steve, whose parents Pam and Brian live at Menston, added: "Everyone was absolutely shocked by what happened to Alex, and when it happens to someone your own age that you went to school with, it gives you a different perspective on things.''

Alex's sister Philippa Boag, 26, who is on the benefit season organising committee chaired by Saracens player Francois Pienaar, said: "The whole family are very touched -- it's a lovely gesture and we're very grateful.''

Steve's testimonial season, which it is hoped will help raise thousands for the memorial fund, includes a benefit dinner and auction for 600 people - including teamates such as Pienaar, Kyran Bracken and Michael Lynagh -- in London on March 23.

A second dinner in the Bradford area and a golf day are being planned for later in the year and one of Saracens' pre-season games may be billed as Steve's benefit match.

So far the memorial fund has brought in more than £40,000 to pay for research at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

For details about the benefit year call committee secretary Sarah Good on 0181 442 8359.

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