Rugby League Benevolent Fund show backing for family of Danny Jones

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/04/danny-jones-rugby-league-benevolent-fund-family

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The Rugby League Benevolent Fund has started raising money to support the family of Danny Jones – the Keighley player who died on Sunday of a suspected cardiac arrest.

The 29-year-old as taken off four minutes into Sunday’s game at London Skolars after feeling unwell. He collapsed at the side of the field, an air ambulance was called and he was taken by road to the Royal Free hospital. Extensive efforts failed to resuscitate him.

Jones leaves a wife, Liz, and five-month-old twins.

The sport’s benevolent fund has immediately started its fundraising mission to help Jones’s family cope with the consequences – joined by Leigh Centurions’ owner, Derek Beaumont, who separately pledged £2,000 and challenged other club owners to do the same. Within 15 minutes of being launched, the fund’s total stood at over £1,000, with fellow rugby league players amongst the donors.

A club statement from Keighley confirmed the tragic news on Sunday evening. “Danny was much loved and highly respected by all at the club and in rugby league,” they said of the goal-kicking full-back.

“He was the life and soul in the dressing room, a natural leader, a true professional and irreplaceable. He achieved over 1,000 points and 150 appearances for Keighley Cougars and he will be sorely missed. We are devastated. Our hearts go out to Liz, his children and his family.”

Winning 12 caps for Wales, Jones spent his club career with Keighley and his hometown club, Halifax, although the standout moment came when he represented Wales at the 2013 World Cup, facing the Cook Islands in Neath.

Wales Rugby League’s chairman, Brian Juliff, said: “Everyone at Wales Rugby League is very shocked to hear of Danny’s sudden passing. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”

A Halifax spokesman added: ”He was a larger than life character, as befits a half-back, and was universally respected throughout the game. He will be sadly missed. Halifax RLFC sends its condolences to Danny’s family and friends. They’ve lost a star.”

The Rugby Football League’s chief operations officer, Ralph Rimmer, also paid his tributes. “It is always devastating when someone so young dies in these circumstances. Danny was a popular and talented rugby league player, having played at the highest level with the Wales national team and playing over 12 seasons for Keighley Cougars and Halifax,” he said.

“The rugby league community will mourn his loss and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Danny’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time. The family, friends and team-mates of Danny are currently and will continue to be supported by the RFL Benevolent Fund and Sporting Chance.”

Jones is the second rugby league player in just over six years to die after collapsing during a match. The Wakefield forward Leon Walker, who was 20, fell ill during a Wildcats reserve game with Celtic Crusaders in Maesteg in March 2009. It was later discovered that he had an undiagnosed heart defect and a coroner ruled that he died from natural causes.

Just six months before then, Wakefield’s Cook Island international Adam Watene, 31, died after collapsing during a training session. The Leeds half-back Chris Sanderson died on the pitch in a match against Salford in 1977.