Nearly 2,000 people including rugby league players past and present and Hull City legend Nick Barmby turned out today to support a fundraising rugby tournament.
The L6ve Life Foundation Rugby League Tournament was held in warm sunshine at East Side, Salt End, the home of Skirlaugh ARLFC.
Mr Newton, a former Skirlaugh player, set up the foundation after discovering he had motor neurone disease, for which there is no cure.
The tournament involved 16 teams of over-35s and is expected to raise around £15,000 for L6ve Life, which aims to provide funds to to help people living with MND and to find a cure.
Among those taking part were former teammates of Mr Newton, along with players from other local rugby teams that locked horns with him throughout his Skirlaugh career.
The event has been organised by Skirlaugh players Matt Richards, Steve Kilby and Andy Dickinson.
Mr Richards said: "The idea for this just sprung from a conversation I had with Lee about eight weeks ago.
"So many people want to do something for the charity, particularly within rugby league.
"I asked people about putting on a tournament and it has just snowballed from there.
"I am over the moon by the turn out and we are looking to raise £15,000 from the day."
Rugby union players crossed codes to take part, while Hull FC also raised a team.
Rugby league legends including Andy Gregory, Paul Sculthorpe, Paul Newlove and Graham Steadman supported the event, which was also attended by former Hull City and England star Nick Barmby.
Mr Newton's friend Carl Wiles, who captains Skirlaugh, said: "There has been a great turn out and the event has been very well organised.
"Lots of players have come together for a really good cause.
"There are some old rivalries but it is all played in a good spirit.
"I'm proud to see everyone pull together and the effort of everyone involved has been superb."
Alongside the rugby tournament, there were children's rides, stalls, raffle prizes, an auction and refreshments.
Mr Newton, 43, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in March 2013. He is married to Caroline and has two daughters, Hannah, aged 13, and Evie, ten.
In July this year, Mr Newton told the Mail about his determination to fight MND. He said: "Motor neurone disease sucks the life out of you, but someone, some day, has to beat it. Why can't that somebody be me?"
• Visit the L6ve Life Foundation website
