SINCE the sad death of former rugby league referee Frank Hawley, a challenge has been set up in his honour to raise money for the charity who cared for him through his final days.

Last March saw the devastating announcement that the highly respected match official and linesman from Woolston died, aged 71, having been cared for by the ‘wonderful’ staff at St Rocco’s Hospice.

Following the news of his passing, Frank's nephew Andy Hawley started up the Frank Hawley Challenge in honour of the local legend.

Speaking on his uncle as an important figure within the community, Andy said: “Frank was part of the fabric of society in Warrington.

“A teacher at St John’s and Cardinal Newman Catholic High School for over 40 years, a school governor, an active member of St Peter’s and St Michael’s parish in Woolston and a Rugby League Match official.

“If you watched any Rugby League during the 1990s and early 00s, you saw more of Frank than any of his family.

“During this time, Frank appeared in some of the sport’s biggest games, officiating in four Challenge Cup finals, two grand finals and a World Cup Semi-Final, amongst many other international appearances.”

In 2002 Frank was awarded the Warrington Sports Personality of the Year and in 2016, he received a Warrington Wolves Heart and Soul Award, Andy detailed.

Warrington Guardian:
“Both these accolades were fitting to the impact he had on the game of rugby league around the town. However, it was not his ability on the pitch that stood out to those who knew him.

“Frank did so much to help support so many.”

Leaving a legacy behind him, Andy felt it was only right to continue this for his uncle by creating the challenge with the hope of raising as much money for local charity St Rocco’s Hospice as possible.

Last year, the challenge saw Andy complete three major feats including The Great North Run in September, the Warrington Running Festival Half Marathon also in September, as well as running three miles every three hours for three days straight in November.

The fundraiser exceeded its goal of raising a day’s running fees for St Rocco’s Hospice (£12,500) and managed to raise more than £17,000 in total.

And the aim yet again this year is to raise enough money to cover the hospice’s running fees for another full day – with 80 per cent of the fees from the charity having to be funded by donations and charity.

The initiative is now appealing for donations from local businesses which can be used as raffle prizes for upcoming fundraising events this year.

Speaking on how the challenge will continue Frank’s legacy, Andy said: “His life was about empowering others, making them the best versions of themselves.

“This is why he was so well-loved everywhere he went. You could see his extraordinary impact on people through the endless tributes left for him after he passed away.”

To support the initiative or donate a raffle item, contact Andy at frankhawleychallenge@gmail.com or on 07866346984