A CROWD-funding campaign to help Barrow Raiders meet their expenses for their return trip to Toronto Wolfpack in the Kingstone Press League One Super Eights has beaten its target less than 48 hours after being set up.

As was the case with several of their divisional rivals, the Raiders' previous trip to Canada ended up costing the club in the region of £4,000 - despite RFL assurances these journeys would not incur such costs.

With Barrow being the only team to play Toronto away twice this year, the supporters trust decided to raise funds to help meet those expenses with an initial target of £2,000.

But that was quickly surpassed after pledges flooded in from fans of both the Raiders and other clubs, with the target being upped to £3,000 once the initial aim was reached.

“We were just hoping for half of it to help them, but I upped it on Thursday because we'd reached the £2,000,” said Louise Scarr, who is heading up the supporters trust's efforts.

“It's doing really well and I'm really pleased. We didn't know how it would go and whether people would give, but we've had donations from fans of Widnes, Bradford, Toronto and lots of others getting involved as well.

“We've had lots of messages as well from all over saying they think it's not on how its happened with us having to go twice and how the club are having to pay for things when they weren't supposed to, so it's doing well.”

The trust have been organising various activities throughout the year to help support the club financially, along with charities in the area, and are set to present another cheque at next Sunday's home game against York City Knights.

Upcoming events include a bake-off and gala day at the ground a week tomorrow, another 'Sparkly Saturday' featuring a live screening of Barrow's trip to Toronto on September 9 and quiz nights in the Raiders Bar on the first Friday of every month.

“It's doing well,” said Scarr. “At the next home game we should be doing another presentation of a cheque for another £2,000 to go to the club.

“We're looking at putting on a Halloween party on for children and probably something over Christmas – and maybe another big event in January or February before the season starts properly.”

The trust will be holding a meeting this Monday in the Raiders Bar at 7pm to discuss the upcoming gala day and anyone wishing to volunteer or get involved with the trust's activities is welcome to attend.

Anyone wanting to donate to the Raiders' fund should visit https://barrowrlfc.com/2017/08/crowdfunding-help-fund-second-trip-barrow-raiders-toronto-wolfpack/ and follow the link there.