DEWSBURY CELTIC are pulling out all the stops for Simone Hirst.
The mother-of-three, who is the sister of first-team player Jordan Hirst, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and the club has launched a ‘Round the Grounds’ initiative to support her and her family in their hour of need.
As Celtic mainstay Tom Regan told League Express, Simone is a sister-figure to all at the club.
Other amateur and professional outfits in the Heavy Woollen and Kirklees areas, and several beyond, are rallying to the cause and Regan said: “Our aim is to come together as a Rugby League community to help create as many special memories as possible for her and her children during this incredibly difficult time.
“We’re asking people to get involved in the ‘Round The Grounds’ by running five kilometres per day around various Rugby League pitches or three (Jordan’s playing number) laps around the pitch.
“The idea is to bring people from across the game together, using the sport we all love to make a real difference to a family that means a lot to us.
“Alongside this, we are organising raffles, auctions and other fundraising activities. The response from the Rugby League community has been amazing, with a number of other clubs and teams already donating and showing their support.”
He reflected: “This has become much bigger than just a club fundraiser — it’s a chance for the Rugby League family to rally around someone who needs us, and help give her and her children moments they can treasure forever.”
Events took place last week at Batley Bulldogs, Thornhill Trojans, Dewsbury Celtic, Dewsbury Rams and, in Cumbria, Egremont Rangers, together with Leeds Rhinos.
‘Round the Grounds’ continues on Monday, June 29, 7.00pm at Bradford Bulls.
The rest of the itinerary is:
Tuesday, June 30: Ossett (7.00pm)
Wednesday, July 1: Dewsbury Celtic (7.30pm).
Thursday, July 2: Batley Boys (7.00pm).
Friday, July 3: Dewsbury Celtic (7.30pm).
Saturday, July 4: Dewsbury Celtic (11.00am).
Sunday, July 5: Shaw Cross (10.30am).
Monday, July 6: Huddersfield Giants (7.00pm).
Tuesday, July 7: Dewsbury Moor (7.30pm).
Wednesday, July 8: Dewsbury Celtic (7.30pm).
Thursday, July 9: Birstall Victoria (7.30pm).
Friday, July 10: Dewsbury Celtic (7.30pm).
Saturday, July 11: Oulton (4.30pm).
Sunday, July 12: Dewsbury Celtic (4.00pm).
Donations can be made by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/roundthegroundsforsimone?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=WA