A fund set up in memory of a young West Cumbrian rugby player and his England Lions coach will officially launch next month.
Logan and Gary’s Lions Heart Fund was created to remember the lives of young Hensingham rugby league player Logan Holgate and coach Gary McMahon. It aims to raise £10,000 to offer heart screening for the community Rugby League game in Cumbria and the North West.
Logan died in his sleep, aged just 18, in January.
The fund will be officially launched by Logan’s family and friends on May 7 in Cumbria with a sponsored walk from Logan’s home team Hensingham Rugby League Club to Wath Brow Hornets at Cleator, Egremont Rangers and Kells, before ending at Whitehaven’s ground.
The walk starts at 9am and walkers aim to arrive at Whitehaven’s LEL Arena in time for their RL Championship match with Keighley Cougars, kick-off 3pm.
Lisa Powe, Logan’s aunt, said: “Logan was Hensingham to his core, a Lion with a Lion’s heart, and a committed Haven supporter, and he had friends at many, many clubs in Cumbria and across the rugby league and sporting world.
“His brothers Ellison and Fletcher, and cousin Miller Dalton will be walking the entire 12-mile route to the finish at Whitehaven where the organisers have planned a collection to boost the fund.
“Logan died in his sleep in January aged just 18, and organisers have asked walkers to raise sponsorship for the Lions Hearts Fund if they can, and wear club colours to celebrate Logan’s passion for rugby and sport.”
Gary was assistant coach for the England Community Lions U19s who won the European Championship in September 2022.
He died in Italy just days before the final, which was played against France in his honour. Gary’s family and friends will be launching their fundraising on May 28 in Leigh and Wigan to raise vital funds for a heart screening programme, initially in the North West of England.
A JustGiving page has been set up for the Lions Hearts Fund and has already raised £1,400. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/logan-and-gary-lions-heart-fund
