A RUGBY club has raised thousands of pounds in member of a former player who died suddenly aged just 42, just minutes after putting his daughters to bed, with more fundraising planned this summer.
West Bowling ARLFC held two events in aid of the British Heart Foundation to honour their former player Lee Hunter, a father of three girls who lived in Halifax at the time of his death.
After starring for the rugby league side, Lee had to hang up his boots aged 25 after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a rare condition caused by a viral infection causing inflammation of the heart muscle making it become thicker, making it harder for the heart to operate properly.
He took medication to control the conditions and live an active and healthy lifestyle, replacing rugby with cycling.
However in July 2018, shortly after putting his daughters to bed, he had a sudden cardiac arrest at home. A nearby relative rushed to his aid to perform CPR and call 999, and despite the efforts to save Lee he died at Leeds General Infirmary, where he worked as an estates manager.
To honour his life, West Bowling - now based at Horsfall Stadium - held two gala events and have now handed over the money raised to British Heart Foundation, with a third planned this summer.
In August 2019, an under 40s vs over 40s match was held with teams made up of Lee's ex-teammates and friends which raised £2,000, followed by another match in May 2021 held before the side's local derby against Bradford Dudley Hill which attracted a crown of 1,000 people which raised £7,000 - split between the British Heart Foundation and Lee's daughters. The next event is planned for July 23.
Dave Brook, treasurer of West Bowling, said: “After Lee’s passing, the decision was made by a group of former team mates to keep his memory at the forefront of people’s minds with an annual event.
“Lee was always the life and soul of the party who always loved to showcase his dance moves, so we felt holding a gala day was a fitting tribute to him.
“Raising money for the BHF seemed the logical decision because of Lee’s experience with a heart condition. Both events were a huge success, and we know Lee would have been so happy to know that the money we have raised will help others affected by these conditions.”
Lee’s fiancée, Carly-Jo Miller, said: “It was all so surreal. I’ve blocked out most of what happened.
"At the hospital they wanted to take me to a side room to tell me the news - being a nurse I have been the side of giving that news and it terrified me. I then had to tell the girls what had happened, which was the hardest part.
“Lee was the best dad in the world. Only the week before his death he had taught Poppy how to ride a bike without stabilisers, which was such a proud moment for him.
"We still feel like Lee is a part of us – the girls even have teddy bears sprayed with Lee’s favourite aftershave so they can remember him when times get tough.”
Ellie Barker, BHF’s fundraising manager, added: “We are so grateful West Bowling decided to hold their touching memorial events for Lee in aid of the BHF, and we can’t wait to work with them more in the future.
“For more than 60 years, the public’s generosity has funded BHF research that has turned ideas that once seemed like 'science fiction' into treatments and cures that save lives every day. But millions of people are still waiting for the next breakthrough.
“It is only with donations from organisations like West Bowling that we can keep our research going and discover the treatments and cures of the future.
"We now urgently need more support and would encourage people in West Yorkshire to get in touch with us to find out how they can help.”
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