“We need to help our family”: Suffolk bootcamp fundraiser rallies behind local with cancer
The Suffolk community is pulling with a series of feel-good fitness sessions raising money to support a man with cancer and his family
Last updated 12th Jul 2025
A Suffolk community is pulling together this July to support one of its own, with a series of feel-good fitness sessions raising money for local rugby legend Jono Cooke, who’s currently battling cancer.
The three fundraising bootcamps will take place at Woodbridge Rugby Club today (Saturday 12th) and on the 19th and 26th of July, starting at 10 am. Entry is donation-based, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to Jono and his family.
“People fear the word bootcamp,” laughed organiser and former head coach Drew Fautley, “but maybe it shouldn’t be a bootcamp. It’s a fitness session, we’re trying to get as many people to come to Woodbridge Rugby Club in Bromeswell to support the continued funding of one of the legends.”
“Jono played for the club for many, many years and put his body on the line for the team. He’s currently struggling with cancer and struggling to do what everyone else has to do, which is take care of his young family.”
Fautley says the sessions will be fun, friendly and open to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
“We’d like to do three bootcamp-style fitness sessions, an hour long, hopefully facilitating all kinds of people… have a good laugh for a good reason.”
"We need to help our family"
As for Jono himself, Fautley describes him as a true club man.
“If you asked me when I was coaching him, I would’ve told you he was a pain in the bum,” he smiled, “but the truth is, he’s a great guy. He’s a quality guy. He puts his body on the line all the time and he is ferociously loyal to the rugby club and has been for his whole life.”
Jono has recently been in hospital awaiting surgery, and is currently undergoing treatment.
“He was always very stoic and just got on with his own business,” said Fautley. “So, although he may feel a bit weird about asking for help, the people around him who admire him and respect him are jumping on this.”
“We are in cohorts with Woodbridge Rugby Club, some past players as well. We are coming together to support him. And I’m sure he would massively appreciate it — although slightly in his stoic environment, he might dumb it down a little bit and be very honoured someone’s thinking of him that way.”
The sessions promise to mix military-inspired movement with a dose of community spirit.
“People can expect to come along, have a good laugh while doing some exercises… you can do as much or as little as you can. I think it will benefit everybody — and most importantly, it will benefit a family in need.”
“We need to help our family,” he added. “And right now, this particular family member needs help.”