Widnes Vikings are devastated to hear the news of the passing of supporter Liz Hindley.
Liz was a founder of club supporter group, WISSL, and had been instrumental in bringing the group forward to where it stands today. Liz had been operating on the board in the role of Secretary at the time of her passing.
During administration in 2019, Liz was one of a number of people who stepped forward to help save the club from liquidation. Liz, and her colleagues from WISSL, handed over a cheque of £6,000 to take the total at the time to over £100,000.
In addition to this, at the 2019 Championship & League One awards night, Liz was named the FSA Community Champion of the Year. The award was in recognition of her commitment and dedication to supporter engagement, not only for Widnes Vikings, but nationally through her role on the Supporters Direct Rugby League National Council.
Despite her battles with her health in recent times, Liz was determined to continue showing support to her beloved club. This would range from continuing her role with WISSL, to simply turning up on match days to support the Vikings, to even helping out with pre-match activities such as selling Golden Gambles to supporters on the concourse.
Liz has also supported the club in recent times through player sponsorship at first team level through Musical Allsorts, sponsoring Chris Dean, Owen Farnworth Joe Lyons & MacGraff Leuluai over the 2019 and 2020 season. Liz has also sponsored players in the first team in years gone by through The Learning Curve also, as well as taking up match sponsorship also.
Phil Finney, Chief Executive at Widnes Vikings, says “We are devastated to learn of the news of Liz’s passing this morning.
“Liz has been a supporter of our club for decades, and the club today has truly lost one of its most dedicated and passionate fans.
“Being involved with WISSL, Liz has been instrumental in raising money and helping to support the club’s goals both on and off the field.
“During our hour of need in 2019, Liz stepped forward to help without hesitation, raising thousands of pounds with WISSL to help us towards our target. Words cannot express our gratitude and thanks to Liz.
“Liz was a selfless individual who always put her love of Widnes Vikings above most things, and the club will never forget Liz’s outstanding contribution to her club.”
The thoughts of everyone at Widnes Vikings are with Liz’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
