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Castleford Tigers: Millward in mourning for teenage son LATEST
TRAGEDY: Ian Millward, when he was coach of Leigh Centurions, (centre) his son Robbie, and Alliance coach Mark Bailey in January 2000.
Castleford Tigers’ head coach Ian Millward has thanked the ‘rugby league family’ for messages of support after the sudden death of his 19-year-old son.
Robbie Millward died in Bolton Hospital on Sunday evening after suffering a suspected heart attack at his home in Leigh, Lancashire.
In a statement, Mr Millward said yesterday: “On behalf of all our family, we would like to thank everybody for their kind messages of support, especially the rugby league family from both the UK and Australia.
“The messages have been of comfort in this time of great sadness. Robbie was a healthy young boy who died from a condition called sudden adult death syndrome, which comprises of a massive heart attack – the sudden nature of his death is making it even harder for us to deal with.”
He added: “Instead of flowers, we ask any well-wishers to donate to the British Heart Foundation.”
Robbie’s sister Katie, a Sky Sports producer, said on Twitter yesterday morning: “Our son and brother has passed away from an unexpected heart attack. We love him and miss him and thank you for your kind words.”
A Tigers’ spokesman said: “The club is shocked and deeply saddened by the death yesterday of Robbie Millward. All our thoughts are with Ian and his family at this sad time.” Mr Millward is on compassionate leave after returning from Tigers away fixture against Catalans in the South of France on Saturday afternoon.
A spokesman for his former club St Helens said on Facebook: “Some people will remember Robbie as the little lad who was always by Ian’s side – you’ll remember him getting a big high-five in the 2004 Challenge Cup game as he was sat behind our then coach.
“Our thoughts are with the Millward’s at this time.”
Former Great Britain and Leeds Rhinos RL legend Garry Schofield said on Twitter: “Can’t get my head around the terrible news about Robbie Millward. Sincere condolences to Ian and the family.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Comments
There are 4 comments to this article
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littlemissyeti
Monday, February 20, 2012 at 07:29 PMWhat an awful tragedy !! My deepest sympathies to Ian and his family. I cannot begin to imagine the pain they suffering at losing their son. RIP Robbie, gone to soon xx
paulinemum
Monday, February 20, 2012 at 02:34 PMCondolences to you,we lost our son suddenly in 2010,aged 34.Nothing prepares you for this.
HUMBERRHINO
Monday, February 20, 2012 at 01:15 PMAS A FATHER I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT 'IAN' IS GOING THROUGH I LOST A SON IN OCTOBER 2004 THE DAY AFTER THE 'RHINOS' WON THE SUPER LEAGUE & I'M STILL COMING TO TERMS WITH IT EIGHT YEARS ON IT'S STILL VERY HARD! SO MY DEEPEST THOUGHTS & SYMPATHY ARE WITH YOU & YOUR FAMILY IAN MILLWARD.
bremner8
Monday, February 20, 2012 at 12:04 PMTragic. I have no idea how anyone copes with the loss of a child. My thoughts are with Robbie and his family. RIP.
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