OFFICIALS from the Mose Masoe Foundation aim to turn miles into money in their latest major initiative to raise funds for the stricken Hull KR star.
A rugby ball signed by the former Samoa international, who suffered a career-ending spinal injury during a pre-season match in January 2020, has begun a mammoth journey, being autographed by the captain of each NRL and UK Super League club in turn.
Having been to Auckland, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Newcastle, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Townsville, it will be walked around a number of Super League grounds later this month, collecting signatures on the way.
Masoe, who has been diagnosed as tetraplegic, meaning he has partial or total loss of use of all four limbs and torso, will carry the ball onto the pitch ahead of his club’s derby clash with Hull on Thursday, July 1.
It will eventually be auctioned as the ‘ultimate piece of modern day Rugby League memorabilia’.
The aim is to secure 24,353 donations – one for each mile the ball will have travelled to return it into the hands of the popular 32-year-old, who also played for Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters and St Helens.
Back in April, a weekend of Rugby League across the UK and Australia dedicated to supporting Masoe raised more than £100,000 for the foundation, which will firstly support the father of three, then go on to help others who suffer life-changing spinal injuries playing rugby.
The UK stretch of the journey, which takes place between Thursday, June 17, when St Helens host Warrington, and Tuesday, June 22, is being called ‘It’s Time to Walk and Talk’, highlighting how opening up and talking about the impact of life-changing injuries can be just as important as learning to walk again.
Fans will be encouraged to join at the various stages of the journey.
Hull KR coach and foundation trustee Tony Smith said: “This will be a really significant event as what we are looking to achieve, beyond the fundraising element, is for people who suffer life-changing injuries to feel more able to open up and talk when they need support.
“In Mose’s own case, his first steps were widely celebrated and his smile suggested he was doing well, and it was only a year after his accident that he opened up about the dark days he suffered mentally, and admitted the level of support he required, which led to the foundation being formed.”
Masoe said: “I’m really overwhelmed by the thought and effort which has been put in on both sides of the world to make this happen.
“To have the support once again of all the NRL and Super League clubs, their players and supporters is truly overwhelming.”
Donations of any amount can be made through the foundation’s Go Fund Me page at www.mosemasoefoundation.co.uk, or donations between £5 and £20 can be made via test – 5BALL, 10BALL, 15BALL or 20BALL to 70085. Texts costs amount donated plus the standard message rate.
The UK journey dates are:
Thursday, June 17
7pm Ball signed by St Helens and Warrington Wolves
7.30pm Depart St Helens
10.15pm Arrive Wigan
Friday, June 18
9am Ball signed by Wigan
10am Depart Wigan
Midday Arrive Leigh – ball signed by Leigh
1pm Depart Leigh
4.30pm Arrive Salford – ball signed by Salford
Saturday, June 19
7am Depart Salford
5pm Arrive Huddersfield – ball signed by Huddersfield
Sunday, June 20
8am Depart Huddersfield
2pm Arrive Leeds – ball signed by Leeds
3pm Depart Leeds
6pm Arrive at Wakefield – ball signed by Wakefield
Monday, June 21
9am Depart Wakefield
11.30am Arrive at Castleford – ball signed by Castleford
12.30pm Depart Castleford
6pm Arrive Goole
Tuesday, June 22
7am Depart Goole
5pm Arrive Hull FC
Thursday, July 1
6.40pm Depart Hull FC
7.40pm Ball guard at Hull KR v Hull FC. Ball carried onto pitch by Mose to be signed by both skippers.
