VIKINGS IN THE COMMUNITY Charlie’s kit is a hit with players
AKIT designed by a girl from Runcorn with a rare condition has been worn by Widnes Vikings during a Super League clash.
Charlie Rimmer became the Vikings’ lifelong mascot in March.
She has a condition which affects 35 children a year in the UK and has now completed intensive therapy.
A Vikings spokeswoman said that her family’s attention is now on ensuring they ‘make happy memories’ for Charlie and her sister.
The 11-year-old was due to to be greeted by the Vikings faithful back in March when she was scheduled to deliver the match ball ahead of the Easter Derby against St Helens, but her sister Alexis had to stand in for her as she was unwell on the day.
Backhouse Group and O’Neills Irish Sportswear have now offered their assistance and Charlie spent an afternoon with the O’Neills design team to create a unique playing strip.
The Vikings wore the kit during their game against Wigan Warriors.
Charlie said: “I love my shirt, I can’t wait to show all my friends at school, I have told everyone about the amazing time at O’Neills and they can’t believe it, so I can’t wait to show them what I have made.
“Purple is my favourite colour and pink is my second. I picked these colours because I have never seen the team in this colour!
“I can’t wait to walk out with the team, I’m confident to be able to lead them this time and hopefully my shirt will give them luck to win.”
O’Neills invited Charlie and her family over to their design studio over the one off kit for the Widnes Vikings first team.
Every aspect of the design was overseen by Charlie and she chose her favourite colour, complemented by elements of her own fundraising ‘love heart’ logo.
She even signed off the garment with her own autograph which appears on the front.
A limited number of shirts are available directly from O’Neills and all profits generated from the sale will be donated to the ChaRLie fund.
Backhouse Group has also helped with the fundraising initiative and all first team kits, once played in, will be donated to the family and auctioned.
Charlie’s mother Kim said: “Everything that we have experienced and the support of Widnes Vikings has been amazing.
“Charlie has not stopped smiling and now to add to that, spending the day with O’Neill’s design team to produce this shirt is so overwhelming.
“We cannot thank everyone involved enough, O’Neills for the experience and Backhouse Group for the support.”
O’Neills designer Bradley Edwards said: “On the day, Charlie had some brilliant ideas and was an absolute pleasure to work with. I’m sure you will all agree the final design is stunning.”
Vikings director Brian O’Connor accompanied Charlie to the O’Neills design studio and he said she had an ‘absolute ball’ and ‘loves’ the final design.
He added: “It was a real shame that Charlie was not well enough to lead out the teams against St Helens.
“I know she is really excited to lead out the Vikings and the Warriors and she can’t wait to see her design on the field.
“The fact that Charlie has even autographed the creation within the design is a really nice touch.”
A limited number of shirts can be ordered from www.oneills.com
Donations can also be made to the ChaRLie initiative by visiting crowdfunding. justgiving. com/ WVChaRLie