THE nephew of well-known former rugby league match official and Cardinal Newman High School teacher Frank Hawley, who sadly died earlier this year, is embarking on a number of fundraising challenges in his memory.
Andy Hawley, the nephew of the late Frank Hawley, has already raised over £1,000 in his memory for St Rocco’s Hospice where he spent his final days and embarks on his first challenge this Sunday 10th September, when he will run in the Great North Run in Newcastle.
He will then take part in the Warrington Running Festival on September 24, followed by his biggest challenge, a 3 x 3 x 3 run, running 3 miles, every 3 hours for 3 days.
This challenge is also open to the public and the application form is available here: https://form.jotform.com/232271896254058.
Commenting on his fundraising Andy said: “Whether it was his work as a teacher at Cardinal Newman, being an active member of the St Peter’s parish or through rugby league, if you didn’t know Frank Hawley, it could be said that you weren’t a true Warringtonian!
“Frank was a proud Warrington Wolves Foundation Heart and Soul Community award winner and his footprint lives on in the South Stand at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. From refereeing school boys rugby and making his first Wembley appearance in 1989 he officiated on the biggest games on the biggest stage with four challenge cup finals and two grand finals amongst his honours.
“In the final week of his life, we were so lucky that he (and the rest of the family) were supported by the wonderful staff at St Rocco’s hospice. They couldn’t do enough to support us and we can never repay them.
“Whilst Frank was in St Rocco’s he stayed in the daffodil room. The night he passed away I came home to find one solemn daffodil blooming outside my door. It was an immediate reminder that whilst he was no longer with us his memory and his values live within each of us. Frank gave his life to serve others and make everyone else the best versions of them they could be.
“His attitude towards his illness, his mental strength and his true outlook on life were inspirational and in order to recognise this and celebrate Frank’s 3 communities in life I am going to complete ‘The 3 Frank Challenge’.
After the Great North Run and the Running Festival event, the 3 x 3 x 3 challenge (3 miles every 3 hours for 3 days) will take place from 1st November – 4th November 2023 – It is exactly 3 miles from Andy’s house to Frank’s house which will be the run that is completed on the first 23 occasions. The final, 24th run will depart Frank’s house at 6 pm on Saturday 4th November and end at The Halliwell Jones Stadium home of the Warrington Wolves just in time for the big fireworks display. (3.2miles)
Andy added: “I am hoping that during my 3 x 3 x 3 challenge, I might be joined by some of Frank’s friends, family and colleagues from each of his communities (particularly the RFL) to celebrate his life and raise as much money as possible for the amazing St Rocco’s hospice. Continuing with the theme of 3, my aim is to raise £3333 in his memory.
If anyone can help out in any way, with sponsorship towards the costs of the event, donations or keeping me on the road until the very end, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Andy is also running a number of events, A step challenge (running up and down all the step in the Halliwell Jones Stadium) – Date to be confirmed, 2 Junior Rugby games, between Crosfields opponents and date to be confirmed, The 3x3x3 Challenge will take place between 1st and the 4th November, the final leg will go from Frank’s home in Woolston to the Halliwell Jones stadium to coincide with the start of the yearly firework display. Then a Finale event is planned at The Kings Head on the 1st December 2023.
The first milestone of raising £1000:00, on Andy’s just giving page was recently reached. Donations can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-hawley-1689843684605
