Earlier this year, our hero, Frank Hawley passed away after a battle with cancer.

Apart from being the ultimate family man Frank had 3 other communities:

School

Church

Rugby

Whether it was his work as a teacher at Cardinal Newman, being an active member of the St Peter’s parish or through rugby league, if you didn’t know Frank Hawley, it could be said that you weren’t a true Warringtonian!

Frank was a proud Warrington Wolves Foundation Heart and Soul Community award winner and his footprint lives on in the South Stand at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. From refereeing school boys rugby and making his first Wembley appearance in 1989 he officiated on the biggest games on the biggest stage with 4 challenge cup finals and 2 grand finals amongst his honours.

In the final week of his life we were so lucky that he (and the rest of the family) were supported by the wonderful staff at St Rocco’s hospice. They couldn’t do enough to support us and we can never repay them.

Whilst Frank was in St Rocco’s he stayed in the daffodil room. The night he passed away I came home to find one solemn daffodil blooming outside my door. It was an immediate reminder that whilst he was no longer with us his memory and his values live within each of us. Frank gave his life to serve others and make everyone else the best versions of them they could be.

His attitude towards his illness, his mental strength and true outlook on life were inspirational and in order to recognise this and celebrate Frank’s 3 communities in life I am going to complete The Frank Hawley Challenge as follows:

1. Great North Run 10th September 2023

2. Warrington Running Festival Half Marathon 24th September 2023

3. 3 x 3 x 3 challenge (3 miles every 3 hours for 3 days) 1st November - 4th November 2023 - It is exactly 3 miles from my house to Frank’s house which will be the run that is completed on the first 23 occasions. The final, 24th run will depart Frank’s house at 6pm on Saturday 4th November and end at The Halliwell Jones Stadium home of the Warrington Wolves just in time for the big fireworks display (3.2miles). During this challenge I will be joined by Frank's friends, family and ex RFL colleagues.

4. The Frank Hawley Memorial Games - 12th November 2023 - Two fixtures between Woolston Rovers and Crosfields ARLFC. Frank's grandson Isaac will appear for Woolston U12s and Great Nephew Noah, will appear for Crosfields U10s. The day will commence at 11am with the first kick off scheduled for 11.30am.

5. The Frank Hawley Challenge Finale Celebration - Friday 1st December, Kings Head, Warrington. An exciting evening with a tribute to Frank, a singer, two bands, raffle, auction and food. Tickets are available from the following link:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/frankhawleychallenge/1026970?#

Continuing with the theme of 3, my aim is to raise £3333 via JustGiving in his memory.

Andy

❤️FJH❤️