RUGBY League legends are rallying to the cause of former Warrington Wolves’ half-back Greg Mackey, who is battling terminal bowl cancer and
been given a year to live.
Renowned for his fighting spirit and holder of the club record for most consecutive games, the 52-year-old former live-wire Aussie half-back is not
giving up his fight, undergoing a new German drug trial and helping raise awareness of the condition.
Now former legends of the game and fans who got to know him when he lived in Stockton Heath and Appleton during his two spells at the club in 1989 and from 1992-95, have organised a benefit dinner at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on September 29.
The high-profile guest list includes former Wolves player and Head Coach Paul Cullen, former club captain Paul Sculthorpe, Iestyn Harris and Jamie Peacock, all of whom have had professional contact with Greg and owe him great debts as an influence on their careers.
The evening will hosted by a team including Eddie Hemmings, Brian Carney and Angela Powers from Sky Sports.
A growing number of former playing colleagues of Greg will also be dotted around the room.
All fund sraised will be donated directly to Greg and his family. Tickets are priced £35.
Event organiser Richard Shanks also recently held a barbecue as part of the fund-raising programme at Pewterspear Cricket Pavilion at Stretton,
which was attended by many of Greg’s old friends and through their generosity and that of a number of local businesses who
provided produce, raffle prizes and accessories for the afternoon, they raised £934.
Greg was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2011 and despite various operations and chemotherapy he was told in July that his illness is terminal and that he had about a year to live.
He is now also keen to raise awareness of the condition and encourage others to get checked before it is too late.
During his two spells at Warrington; first in 1989 with nine appearances – including a Lancashire Cup final – before 114 between 1992 and 1995, he holds the club record for the most consecutive appearances with 98.
He was known for his inspirational leadership skills and captained the side that missed out to Wigan in the 1993/94 Championship and Regal Trophy final of 1995.
Between his two stints at Warrington, Greg played at Hull, during which time he picked up the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match in the Black and Whites Premiership final win over Widnes in 1991. It was coach Brian Johnson who brought the scrum-half back to Wilderspool the following year.
During his time at Warrington he crossed for 19 tries, kicked four goals and 20 drop goals totaling 104 points.
To book tickets for the event on line visit http://shop.warringtonwolves.org/386505/products/greg-mackey—the-benefit-dinner.aspx
or contact Richard Shanks on 07504 597835 or email [email protected]
Greg pictured with the Lancashire cup winning team
Rugby legends rally to show support for Aussie ace in cancer battle
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
