Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club are saddened to announce the death of Terry Parsons. Terry collapsed whilst playing rugby for Newton Aycliffe second team, ‘Newtonians’, against Houghton le Spring Seconds on 24th September, approximately 30 minutes into the game. Despite valiant efforts by two players, Paul Ryans (NARUFC)) and Gareth Hockey (HRUFC) to revive him, and later by the Emergency Services, Paramedics and the medical team from the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Terry never re-gained consciousness. Terry, 48, joined Aycliffe in the early 2000’s  as a sprightly thirty year old and played for over five seasons. He was out of the game at Aycliffe for a spell due to illness, but returned again in 2015 with his two sons Matt and Jack. The boys  had spent some time in Darlington playing junior rugby. Terry had heard about the start of second team rugby at Aycliffe and wanted to offer his guidance and experience. He also wanted to play rugby with his two sons whom he was immensely proud. Aycliffe were delighted with his return. This was a tragedy in its truest sense – a father of five losing his life whilst playing rugby, the game he loved. Terry was a very popular player, a family man, a man with morals and high standards, always smiling, always approachable. He was always last to the game and last on the pitch. The warm up was superfluous to Terry’s game plan and a hot drink was his pre-match preparation. Yet once the game started he played the game with zest and enthusiasm,  never losing the will to win. Terry had a calming, almost laid back, demeanour off the pitch.  He loved a cup of tea and a natter… no alcohol for Terry. He loved the crack in the club house, and the camaraderie a team sport generates. Above all he loved playing rugby with his two lads – he was a team mate, a friend and he will be sadly missed. Our condolences and thoughts go out to Ali his wife, his daughter Donna and his four sons David, Matt, Jack and Terry Junior.  They will always be in our hearts. Darryl Pettit. Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club.