Evan was playing for Stanley Rangers under 14s rugby league in July 2017 when he sustained a head injury and passed away 2 days later.
Evan was a conscientious individual who attended Rodillian Academy in Lofthouse, Leeds who was predicted to achieve high grades in all subjects. He was also an inspirational young man who always wanted to do the right thing and help others. He was also an excellent sportsman and his passion was Rugby be it union or league.
Evans parents together with family and friends have forged forward to turn this tragedy into helping others who are not so fortunate be it through disability or illness achieve their full potential. Helping the wider sporting communities and charities through the #TeamEvan group.
#TeamEvan have decided to walk from Leeds to Wembley in memory of Evan, raising money for the Connor Lyne foundation and the Rugby League Benevolent Fund. The walk will commence on Saturday 18th August and finish on the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final Day at Wembley on the 25th August.
Representing #TeamEvan will be 9 friends & family including Gary (Evans dad), Wayne (Evans Uncle) and 7 other close family friends.
#TeamEvan are asking local businesses to support our fundraising efforts by offering sponsorship for these great bunch of lads which in turn will go on to help worthwhile causes.
#TeamEvan supporters and trustees are volunteers and all funds go directly to help others.
Thanks for your consideration
CONNOR'S STORY
On March 23rd Connor was playing rugby in hull for his team Lambwath u14s he suffered a heavy but fair tackle and was removed from the pitch with what was thought a rib injury he seemed fine the rest of the day and was his usual cheeky mischievous self, and was showing no signs of any problems.
The following day Connor was found on the bathroom floor collapsed and unable to move or talk was rushed to hospital where they discovered Connor had torn an artery in his neck causing a blood clot on his basiller artery in the brain which had caused
a major life threatening stroke.
We was told Connor needed surgery and we had to prepare ourselves as his condition was critical Connor survived surgery and was then rushed to Leeds general where he under went 2 further operations and remained in a coma for 4 days.
We was told he wouldn't survive and if he did he probably wouldn't walk or talk. Connor however fought hard and was woken up by Drs however 2 weeks later he suffered a 2nd stroke this time on his cerebellum but again he defide Drs. He was finally allowed home 7 weeks later. Drs were unable to remove the clot and now lives with only 50 per cent blood flow through his brain stem which makes him very high risks of further strokes and other complications however Connor is fighting every day.
Drs dont know Connors prognosis due to the rarerity of his condition and he struggles health wise but Connor dosnt let his issues stop him he now raises awareness of brain injury and strokes and helps raise funds for other charity's.
WALKER BIOGRAPHIES
Gary (Evans Dad) - It is very important to Gary that Evan leaves a legacy. He was the best son anyone could ever ask for and all he wanted to do was do the right thing and help others. Gary and Evan had similar interests rugby (both codes), playing squash/tennis, watching films and cooking. Gary has chose this challenge and walk to the challenge cup in Wembley in aid of two very special causes that have links to rugby because Evan would have loved to have been there at the challenge cup and Gary is taking him there is spirit.
Stan - Gary was the best man at Stans wedding to Nicola (Evans godmother). Stan loves mountain biking and kebabs - probably more than he loves his long suffering wife! His hair went grey shortly after meeting her and I don't think he has ever forgiven her for it.
Jarvo - Old school friend of Gary's & the driving force behind the walk. The clown of the group with the heart of an elephant. There to put a smile on everyone's faces. He has so many stories he could write a book. So I'm sure his energy, heart and enthusiasm will get the group through the hardest of times.
Wayne - Evans uncle - just bought a motor home and looking to take it on many adventures. Wayne wife is a very good cook and he is very spoilt so I don't know what he is going to do when he is given a pot noodle!
Brooky - Lifelong friend of Gary's - played for Hunslet and York in his younger years. Fun fact - Gary's wife Michelle went on holiday with Brooke when she was 5 years old!
Dave - At 54 Dave is the eldest member of the walkers, he has known Gary through Jarvo for over 25 years. Dave played for Stanningley for a lot of years.
Mick - Friend of the family - The fittest of the group, he will lead from the front and keep everyone motivated. He played 17 consecutive seasons for Hunslet Hawks
Steve - Family Friend and Evans rugby league coach - Steve has been a huge support through this difficult time. He thought the world of Evan and he knows that Evan would have wanted all the charitable donations to help those in need.
Bob - Sherpa on wheels - the lynchpin of the group - will be on hand for massages, food, water, supplies and plenty of sarcasm!
