Three Super League starlets from Calderdale to take on charity challenge
THREE YOUNG Super League players from Calderdale will run 48 kilometres in 48 hours to raise money for The Nick Smith Foundation.
Nineteen-year olds Amir Bourouh and Morgan Smithies, who both play for Wigan Warriors, and 18-year old Riley Dean, who plays for Warrington Wolves, are friends and teammates who grew up playing with Siddal ARLFC in Halifax.
With the Super League season suspended, they decided to take on the challenge in memory of one of the amateur club’s leading all-time players, Nick ‘Smudger’ Smith, who died in December 2017 from Motor Neurone Disease at the age of just 38.
Amir, Morgan and Riley – who have all played for England Youth - each aim to run 24 kilometres on both Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 June and will split the distance into three or four runs on both days. The runs will take place in full compliance with all social distancing guidelines and government rules.
Speaking on behalf of the trio, Amir Bourouh said: “Nick was a Siddal legend and even though we never played alongside him, we know the impact he had and the passion he had for rugby league.
“His death touched everyone and we are determined to help ensure the legacy The Nick Smith Foundation is building in his name can continue. We hope as many people as possible will donate whatever they can to support us and help the charity’s aims.”
Stephen Naylor, Nick’s brother-in-law and chair of the Nick Smith Foundation, said: “We are so grateful to Amir, Morgan and Riley for choosing to support us. Their efforts will make a real difference to the work we are able to do in Nick’s memory.”
You can support the challenge at www.nicksmithfoundation.org.uk/48.