A fund set up in memory of a popular young rugby league player and his coach has launched with a 14-mile sponsored walk.
Family and friends of Logan Holgate officially launched the 'Logan and Gary's Lions Heart Fund' in memory of the talented Hensingham player and his England Lions coach, Gary McMahon.
Gary and Logan were both members of the England Community Lions Under-19 squad that won the European Championships in Italy last September.
Assistant coach Gary suffered heart failure and died just a few days before the final. Logan, 18, passed away suddenly in his sleep at his home in Whitehaven in January.
On Sunday morning, the fundraising campaign launched with a sponsored walk from Hensingham ARLFC to three more community rugby clubs, and ending at Whitehaven's LEL Arena.
The walk began at Logan's home club of Hensingham at 9am, and the route then took in Wath Brow Hornets, Egremont Rangers, Kells Rugby Club, and ended at Whitehaven RLFC.
More than 160 people took part, with supporters lining the route to cheer them on. All four of the community clubs opened up their club houses for use of facilities.
Logan's auntie, Lisa Powe, said: “The walk certainly did not disappoint. Once again the West Cumbrian RL community united together in memory of Logan to support the Logan and Gary’s Lions Heart Fund. Logan meant the world to so so many people and I was overwhelmed to see how many came along to walk. Everyone was is good spirits throughout and hospitality at each club was fantastic. The support shown never fails to amaze me and I will be forever grateful.”
A spokesperson for the LH7 fundraising committee said: “It went really well. It was a really good atmosphere all the way, with everyone there for the same reason, to show support for Logan and to hopefully raise funds for vital heart screening for all local rugby clubs.
“We had a launch night up at the club after that and the room was packed again all with people who had done the walk, we’ll have a lot more events through the year as well so if we can get support like that again it’ll be fantastic.”
A JustGiving page has been set up for the Lions Hearts Fund and donations can be made here www.justgiving.com/fundraising/logan-and-gary-lions-heart-fund
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