GAVIN Duffy will donate 20 per cent of his testimonial year fund to the appeal for Danny Jones’ family.

The Cougars winger played with the former stand-off for eight seasons and the two became close friends on and off the field.

The pledge will ensure extra money will be paid into the fund set up for Danny’s five-month old twins, Bobby and Phoebe, who were tragically left fatherless after his death.

The decision came after Duffy initially asked rugby league officials to postpone his own arrangements so the club could focus on reaching the £1 million target for Danny’s fund set by club chairman Gary Fawcett.

However, the Keighley winger (pictured), whose testimonial year began in March, was persuaded to let existing plans run alongside the Danny Jones appeal.

Duffy, who is in his tenth year at Cougars, said: “I am proud of the way everyone has rallied to the support of (Danny’s wife) Lizzie and her twins. The response by so many people here and at other clubs around the country has touched us all.

“Danny was enormously popular and we are all trying to come to terms with what happened to him.

“He was a very close friend and I want his memorial appeal to be my nominated charity.

“After talking with his family and friends, I am going to donate 20 per cent of everything raised during my benefit year.

"I am so pleased his family will benefit directly from my decision."