Friends of promising Huddersfield Giants rugby player who died aged 17 after rugby injury launch fundraiser

The friends of a promising rugby player who tragically died aged 17 after being injured in a rugby match has launched a fundraising campaign in his honour.
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Ronan Costello - a Huddersfield Giants youth player - was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary after the incident during an Under-19s game against Salford in 2016.

Ronan suffered a serious injury in what was believed to have been a routine challenge during the match which was subsequently abandoned.

He sadly died from the injuries.

Ronan CostelloRonan Costello
Ronan Costello
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Since Ronan's death, an annual fundraising walk named 'Walk for Ronan' has taken place.

However, due to the pandemic the event was cancelled.

Undeterred, Ronan's friends Matthew Hunt, 37, John Jiggins, 41, David Warnes, 40, and Chris Vant, 38 are now going to take on the three peaks challenge to raise money for the organisation #ForRonan set up in his name.

The charity aims to support young people like Ronan.

Matthew told the Yorkshire Evening Post the friends are aiming to raise £1000.

He said: "On Saturday the 26th of September, myself, John jiggins, Chris Vant and David Warnes will be tackling the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.

"All money raised will go to the #forronan charity.

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"Ronan Costello was a local lad, whose life was tragically taken away at a very young age.

"A charity in his name has been set up to help provide for the younger generation in the community.

"All four lads will be donating £50 themselves.

"The official charity was going to do the walk back in April, but because of everything that has gone on the event got cancelled.

"As we are friends of the family we really wanted to go ahead and complete the challenge.

"We are hoping to raise around £1000.

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"Once we get to £500 my company Eagle roofing will double it to get us to the £1000 mark."

To donate to the GoFundMe fundraiser, visit here.Kev Bower, chairman of the #ForRonan charity, explained more about the fundraising goals.

He said. "The #FORRONAN Community interest community has been set up to meet two main outcomes

"One is to maintain the legacy of Ronan Costello who tragically passed away whilst playing rugby league aged just 17 years old.

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"Two is to give other young people better life experiences & opportunities through fundraising events such as the one these lads are undertaking.

"All proceeds received into the CIC go directly back into youth projects locally.

"So far we have given financial assistance to several junior sports teams and donated to a young person's volunteer action trip abroad.

"We thank the lads for their efforts on behalf of #FORRONAN and wish them a safe and successful event."

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