Margaret Gibbon, a lifelong Hunslet Hawks supporter and volunteer passed away on Tuesday (12 May 2015) after a short battle with cancer, she was 72.
Hunslet Hawks issued a statement saying:
“The club is saddened to hear the passing of Hunslet stalwart Margaret Gibbon who passed away after a short battle with cancer. The Club’s thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”
Back in October 2014, Margaret was formally recognised by her fellow rugby league supporters when she was voted Kingstone Press Fan of the Year, a moment herself, fellow Hawks supporters and the club were extremely proud of.
Her accolade, won her a dream trip to Australia to watch the England rugby league team in the Tri Nations tournament, a trip she enjoyed with her close friend Andrea Jackson, some images from the trip are shared below.
Margaret’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 2 June at Pontefract Crematorium at 11:20am with the wake taking place at Salute in Rothwell. All fellow Hawks supporters and friends are welcome to attend to pay their respects and celebrate her life. All donations will go to St Gemma’s Hospice & Marie Curie.
Former captain David Mach has donated his 2014 Grand Final shirt for the club to auction with proceeds being split between St Gemma’s & Marie Curie and the Danny Jones trust fund.
In addition Margaret’s passing will be marked by a minute’s applause before the Hawks’ home game against Sheffield Eagles on Friday 29 June with her family guests of the club.
The club’s statement added:
“Margaret will be missed by everyone at the Hawks, from players to supporters; she was a real character who was Hunslet through and through.
“Match days certainly won’t be the same without Mrs Hunslet selling her raffle tickets; she will be missed greatly by all.
“God bless Margaret, may you rest in peace.”
