Keith Senior to play in game raising funds in memory of Lee Hunter

West Bowling ARLFC will host their fourth annual family-friendly gala day at the Horsfall Community Stadium on May 6, when local players will face an All-Stars team.

Ex-Bradford Bulls players Danny Brough, Wayne Goodwin and Adrian Morley will join Leeds legend Keith Senior, Hull FC great Gareth Ellis and Keighley Cougars stalwart James Feather in getting involved.

Money will be raised for The British Heart Foundation in memory of Lee Hunter, who played for West Bowling until he had to give up rugby aged 25 after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.

The heart condition was caused by a viral infection, which caused inflammation of his heart muscle and resulted in it becoming thicker – making it harder for his heart to pump blood around his body properly.

Mr Hunter, from Halifax, took medication to control his condition and lived an active lifestyle - which included cycling as well as rugby.

But sadly, he died aged just 42 in July 2018 after having a sudden cardiac arrest at home. He left behind three young daughters Indie, Poppy and Lola, and his partner Carly.

Paul Robertson, of West Bowling, with Lee's family (Image: UGC)

Over £8,000 has been raised from the three gala days held in Mr Hunter's memory in 2019, 2021 and 2022.

Paul Robertson, committee member of West Bowling and a close friend of Mr Hunter’s, said that as well as the rugby, the day will include games stalls, a tombola, a face painter, a bouncy castle, and an array of food stalls including a Jamaican food truck, a barbecue and a pizza oven.

In the evening, a DJ will play to entertain the crowds.

"West Bowling continues to support the BHF as the charity will always be close to our heart,” said Paul.

“Raising as much money as possible as well as raising awareness about heart conditions will always be important to us as a way of keeping the memory of our friend and former player Lee alive”.

Sian Dickson, BHF’s Fundraising Manager for West Yorkshire, said: “Losing Lee must have been incredibly hard for his family, friends and everyone involved with the club.

"This is why we are so grateful for the effort put into the gala day over the years to raise so much money."