January 11, 2019

Team Evan to Set Wheels in Motion in Support of PDRL

In July 2017 a young promising player by the name of Evan Hawksworth passed away due to a head injury sustained in a Rugby match for Stanley Rangers.

Evan’s parents, together with family and friends, have spent the last 18 months helping to turn this tragedy into help for others who are not so fortunate whether it be through disability or illness and helping them to achieve their potential.

#TeamEvan decided to walk from Leeds to Wembley last year in memory of Evan, raising valuable funds for the Connor Lynes Foundation and Rugby League Benevolent Fund. It was this support of Connor Lynes that alerted Gary and Michelle Hawksworth, Evan’s parents, to the task of sending three physically disabled Rugby League players to Australia in 2019 for an ‘NRL Experience.’

Craig Shepherd, Wakefield Trinity Community Trust, said, “Mark (Milsom) and Gary (Hawksworth) got in touch and we had a productive meeting. #TeamEvan want to support our goal of sending three of our physically disabled players to Australia for a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are incredibly grateful that they want to do that with us.”

Two events have been discussed to lend a hand to the cause with the first being a ‘Cycle Ride’ from Hull to Wakefield on Sunday 10th March. It will start from the KC Lightstream Stadium, home of Hull Kingston Rovers and finish at the Mobile Rocket Stadium in Wakefield. Participants will then be able to enjoy the BetFred Super League fixture between the two teams. #TeamEvan will encourage supporters of both Wakefield Trinity and Hull Kingston Rovers to engage in the fundraiser in support of Connor Lynes, Darren Dean and Ben Nicholson – the three players in question.

The second fundraiser will involve a Charity game between Wakefield Trinity PDRL and Wakefield Hawks. A date is still to be confirmed for the fixture. All funds raised will be ring-fenced by Wakefield Trinity Community Trust to support the trip. Please contact craig.shepherd@wakefieldtrinity.com for information on how you can play your part or call 01924 211611.