For many years Carla has been the team manager, biggest supporter, chief organiser and most importantly the parents’ social secretary of what are currently the Stanningley Under 12s rugby team. Without Carla’s efforts the team would not have been anywhere near as successful, well organised or as fun to play in. Offering a warm welcome to new parents and having a enormous sense of loyalty, Carla is the driving force behind the team and how well it functions. A loyal and devoted mum to Isobel and Charlie and wife (and possibly mother as well sometimes) to Dean, she is a friendly, cheerful and positive lady who has always lived life to the full. As well as her favourite activity of spending time with her family, Carla loves nothing more than sharing a drink with her close friends or escaping to the sun for a holiday.

The news about Carla has sent everyone who knows her into shock. At the start of July, Carla suffered a seizure which doctors quickly uncovered was caused by a tumour putting pressure on her brain. After successfully undergoing emergency, life-threatening surgery to remove the majority of the tumour, Carla was hit with further complications when her lung collapsed and she couldn’t cough or swallow. At times the prognosis was extremely grim and doctors had concerns she might not pull through. She had the added complication of having to retrain her brain after the surgery which might have restricted her to a wheelchair after she struggled with some movements. Being the fighter that she is, Carla has defied the odds and is already up on her feet walking with support and is able to communicate. She wants nothing more than to be able to be at home with Dean, Charlie and Isobel and although there is still a long road of rehabilitation and some further battles ahead, she has a lot of people in her corner offering support.