Rugby 'sevens' event raises cash for Logan and Gary's Lions Heart Fund

The event at Hensingham Amateur Rugby League Football Club was held to raise money for Logan and Gary's Lions Heart Fund.

The fund was set up in memory of young Hensingham and England Lions player, Logan Holgate who died in his sleep in January, and his Lions' coach Gary McMahon.

Kells and Distington (Image: Ben Challis)

On Sunday, Logan's aunt Lisa Powe announced that after a series of successful events since the launch of the Fund in May, the charity could now start planned heart screening programmes in Cumbria in October.

Despite a series of heavy downpours on Saturday, Hensingham ARLFC played host to four teams from Wath Brow Hornets, Kells, Distington and the home club, competing in the inaugural LH7 Sevens open age tournament.

After a series of very close matches in the round robin stage, Wath Brow ended the day as champions following a 7-6 win over Hensingham in the final, with Logan's elder brother Ellison collecting the trophy for the winning side.

Wath Brow and Hensingham (Image: Ben Challis)

On Sunday, the club hosted a three way Under 12s sevens tournament which eagerly contested by young players from Hensingham, Maryport ARLFC and Broughton Red Rose, with Broughton running out the eventual winners.

Players, friends and family could also enjoy some other attractions including a fire engine from Whitehaven's Green Watch at the Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, a van from Cumbria Police, and alpacas from Yeathouse Farm in Frizington.

Hensingham ARLFC U12s (Image: Ben Challis)

The afternoon saw a five-way sevens touch rugby competition with mixed teams as Peak Fitness, Arlecdon Rams Masters and the 'LH7 Seven' took on Hensingham and Hensingham U16s.

There was also support from players from Cumbria's three professional rugby league clubs, Whitehaven, Workington Town and Barrow Raiders, with Town's Luke Charlton turning out on both days for his community club Hensingham, and Whitehaven's two Australian players Lachlan Lanskey and Ryan King turning out for Peak Fitness.

Maryport ARLFC U12s (Image: Ben Challis)

The eventual winners of the touch rugby tournament were the LH7 Seven over Hensingham U16s, with Logan's younger brother Fletcher collecting the final trophy of the day.

Lisa Powe said it was particularly gratifying to see so many of Logan's friends and team mates playing in the tournaments, and that the continued support from the community clubs who provided teams for the event had meant a lot.

Broughton Red Rose U12s (Image: Ben Challis)

She added: "The ongoing support of the RFL and the England Community Lions has helped us build a lasting legacy for Logan and his coach Gary, and over the weekend there were no less than ten Lions past and present taking part, on a weekend that raised a substantial revenue for the Lions Heart Fund.”