Must admit I had a belting weekend in France last week but one thing was missing and thats our good friend Dawn Owen (who posts on this forum as "Yicker" and is the partner of "Hogan" - long standing moderator on this forum). She's a massive Wigan fan who has followed us home and away for, well since the old winter days at least, and for most of that part has been a regular on Big Mikes coaches.

Sadly though she is really ill in hospital at the moment. She went in ill in March with suspected meningitis but she seemed to have recovered well, being out of hospital in April to witness our last gasp derby day victory over Saints. Unfortunately that proved to be a false dawn (shocking pun I know) and she was rushed back into hospital 2-3 weeks back.

Not only is she now battling the serious complications arising from viral meningitis, she also suffered a stroke when rushed back in that second time. If you don't know much about what a stroke is, basically "it's is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States and Europe and the second leading cause of death worldwide".

Now she is progressing positvely in hospital at the moment but she is going to have a long, long road to recovery and this is basically why I'm posting. A fundraiser has been organised to raise funds to aid her recovery.

The fundraiser is a cross code challenge match between Wigan Riversiders ARL and Aspull Rugby Union. Basically 40 minutes league then 40 minutes of union - this will take place on Sunday 19th June with a 2pm Kick Off at Aspull Rugby Union.

The event will then move to the Bowling Green on Wigan Lane where there will be a raffle with some excellent prizes and grown up party games! Please come along to any part of the event, offer your services to play in the games (everyone is welcome) and donate what you can to help our friend Dawn get the care and support that she needs.

If you can get down and support this is would be much appreciated and would mean a lot to us. Cheers.

I totally agree with you Bilko but... surley ask for donations from Lengan/Whelan rather than asking the fans.

Shocking news. Haven't got to many games this year, and we always try to meet up with the regulars, so we've missed this.
Our thoughts are with Craig and Dawn at this time.

Just for once FRISK
WIND YOUR NECK IN YOU NEGATIVE PRICK

Thanks for stickying this Bilko. There will also be a Masters game which will be the Riversiders v Chorley. It's our first ever masters game and we are probably short of numbers. ANYONE who would like to play in this (It's a glorified version of tick and pass) who would like to get involved please contact me on here, via the Riversiders facebook page or by email to dtmortons@blueyonder.co.uk. Only criterias are a) to be over 35 and b) that you buy your opposite number on the other team a pint afterwards. Players are asked for £5 each to take part with all of the proceeds going to Dawn's fund. Also, any donations of prizes for our after match raffle will be enormously appreciated.

Thanks for stickying this Bilko. There will also be a Masters game which will be the Riversiders v Chorley. It's our first ever masters game and we are probably short of numbers. ANYONE who would like to play in this (It's a glorified version of tick and pass) who would like to get involved please contact me on here, via the Riversiders facebook page or by email to dtmortons@blueyonder.co.uk. Only criterias are a) to be over 35 and b) that you buy your opposite number on the other team a pint afterwards. Players are asked for £5 each to take part with all of the proceeds going to Dawn's fund. Also, any donations of prizes for our after match raffle will be enormously appreciated.

How can I pop over some money without attending the games?

I'll forward some paypal details next week. Thanks.

cheers

Cheers for this guys, ill be there!

I would normally reply with something stronger but seeing as its a topic to help someone very close to many people on this forum I wont. The reason for the post is to let friends and family know on a wider scale what we have put in place for Dawn.

Dawn is making good progress in North Manchester Hospital, they are now confident that they have come to a conclusion and she has been diagnosed with a rare form of Bachets Syndrome which has only been diagnosed to approx 2000 people since the syndrome became known in the 1930's.

At present, there is no cure for bachets but they can treat it to keep it at bay and we hope that Dawn will life a long and active life. BUT as yet we do not know if the stroke has caused any long term disability.

IF you can get down this Sunday every single person will be welcome, i am sure that JTB will post more the the event during this week.

Thank you to everyone who has taken time to wish Dawn well, its certainly keeping her upbeat whilst being in Hospital.

Have you got a photographer sorted? If not I'll gladly bob along and fire off a few shots then if there's anything you want your more than welcome to the originals.

Dawn won't remember me from adam, but I certainly remember her from my time on Big Mikes buses, please pass on my best and hope she gets well soon.

You'd be more than welcome pal, although some kind of slimming device on your lens for the Masters game would be advisable...