Tributes have been pouring in for a popular rugby player who died during a charity cycle ride in memory of his friend. Dan Singer was taking part in the ride to raise money for his former teammate, who is battling a brain tumour.
The 48-year-old died on October 1. Porthcawl RFC, where Dan played, said his death had brought the club "great sadness". He has been remembered as a "lovely man" and a "great guy", Wales Online reports.
Career and club connections
Dan joined Porthcawl RFC as a youth player in the 1990s. He later moved to London where he worked as a trader at J.P. Morgan and played for Rosslyn Park. Porthcawl RFC said Dan "remained a friend of the club" and always visited when he was back in the area.
He was part of the RFC500 group which set out to cycle over 500 miles from Scotland to London in just six days to raise money for The Royal Marsden and the Lewis Moody Foundation in honour of Crawford Henderson, who is battling a brain tumour. The riders cancelled the remainder of the cycle following Dan's death, before completing a short ride to Rosslyn Park in his honour.
Club statement and tributes
Porthcawl RFC wrote in a statement shared to social media: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our former player and friend, Dan Singer, tragically passed away recently while taking part in the RFC500 charity cycle ride.
"Dan joined the club as a youth player in the mid 1990s before going on to play senior rugby for several years while studying at university. He remained a friend of the club and always made time to visit when back in the area. We last saw Dan at the club last year, when he was home from Paris with his family for an international match in Cardiff."
"Our sincere condolences go to Dan's family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace, Dan."
Among those who have left tributes is The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast, hosted by James Haskell, Mike Tindall and broadcaster Alex Payne. The podcast's social media account left a comment which read: "Our thoughts are with Dan’s wife Michelle, his family, friends and everyone at Rosslyn Park and the wider rugby community. Sending our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Dan."
Rosslyn Park shared: "It is with profound sadness that we share the news that our former player and much-loved friend Dan Singer tragically passed away on Thursday while taking part in the RFC500 charity cycle ride in support of his former teammate Crawford Henderson."
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Dan’s wife Michelle, his family and friends, and all those who were riding alongside him. RFC500 was conceived as a celebration of friendship and the enduring bonds created through rugby, bringing together former teammates for a 500-mile journey from Scotland to Rosslyn Park to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and The Brain Tumour Charity, through the Lewis Moody Foundation."
Fundraising continues
The charity cycle fundraiser has now raised more than £95,000 for the two charities, with people continuing to donate in Dan's memory. One person donated and wrote: "Dan - one of the world’s good guys! You’ll be missed dearly." Another said: "Dan - it’s hard to find the words. You believed in me and gave me a chance, I am forever grateful and was lucky to call you a great friend."
"Dan Singer, you were doing something yet again for others", another added. "Your kindness, leadership and high standards are examples to all of us. Love you."
While at school at Wycliffe College in Gloucestershire, Dan was captain of the rugby, sevens rugby, hockey and cricket teams.
