Friends and family of Gary McMahon and Logan Holgate have come together to launch a life-saving fundraising campaign in memory of two hugely popular characters from Rugby League communities.
Gary and Logan were both members of the England Community Lions Under-19 squad that won the European Championships in Italy last September.
Tragically, England’s assistant coach Gary, who had a lifelong involvement with Wigan St Jude’s and latterly with Leigh Miners, suffered heart failure and died just a few days before the final.
And in January this year, 18-year-old Hensingham hooker Logan, who at 17 had been the youngest member of the triumphant England squad, passed away suddenly in his sleep at his home in West Cumbria.
In celebration of their lives, the ‘Logan and Gary’s Lions Hearts Fund’ has been established to provide heart screening for the community Rugby League game in both Cumbria and the North West.
A fund spokesman said: “The Logan and Gary’s Lions Heart Fund will be a fitting tribute and lasting legacy to two outstanding and committed Rugby League Lions. Both Logan and Gary had hearts of gold as well as hearts of lions.
“Logan and Gary thrived in community Rugby League and their respective communities were outstanding in their love and support at such devastating times.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
A series of fundraising events are planned over the coming weeks and months to build the fund, which has been set up with support from the Rugby League Benevolent Fund.
To make a donation to the Logan and Gary’s Lions Heart Fund, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/logan-and-gary-lions-heart-fund
