Dylan, who is 20 and lives in Runcorn, is the primary beneficiary of the Matt King Educational Bursary. He is a valued member of the Widnes Vikings Community Foundation, in addition to playing for the Vikings in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League. Dylan has been granted funds to assist in his aims of becoming a qualified coach and attending university. Dylan’s dream is to eventually coach the Widnes LDSL team. Dylan was invited to attend the Challenge Cup Final, where he received his award.
Matt King’s life was transformed in 2004 when he suffered a serious spinal injury on his debut for London Broncos Academy as a 17-year-old, leaving him paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe independently. His injury led to the formation of the Rugby League Benevolent Fund, which has since provided critical support to dozens of players and their families.
Matt received the OBE in 2012 for his inspirational response, as he raised huge sums for charity in addition to gaining a First-Class law degree and securing a role with the Williams Formula One team.
The Matt King Educational Bursary was created last year, following his death in 2021 at the age of 33. The bursary targets anyone involved with the sport, at any level, who aspires to invest in themselves and in doing so for the benefit of Rugby League. It is hoped to be able to give enhanced support to those individuals who have suffered recent hardship, or are facing financial adversity, that would otherwise remain a barrier and prevent them from realising their full potential.
Accompanied by fellow community foundation staff member Kellen Wood, Dylan embarked on his big weekend in the capital.
Dylan was invited to stay in the Hilton hotel, which is located right outside Wembley stadium. It was inspiring to see all the great sporting achievements displayed in the lobby of the Hilton (Dylan kept a close eye out for the Manchester United shirts).
When they arrived on the Friday before the final, it was a busy sightseeing day for the Bursary award winner, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. To top the day off, Dylan was invited to the executive level of the Hilton Hotel, to receive his award. A fantastic picture of Francis Stephenson (Left hand side of the picture), Dylan Bunting (Holding the award) and Matt King’s parents, Chris and Glenda.
Challenge Cup Final day arrives. Dylan was invited to sit in the royal box with Chris and Glenda King, and last years winner Nathan Mulhall, a 23-year-old former England Wheelchair international who has cerebral palsy. Nathan was the inaugural recipient of the award, having applied for funds to complete his teacher training to allow him to promote the positive impact of playing Rugby League, and especially Wheelchair Rugby League, to pupils at Ryburn Valley High School in Sowerby Bridge. All 3 games on the day were fantastic and full of drama. A few highlights that stood out for Dylan were the drop goal finish in the Men’s Challenge cup final (Leigh Leopards vs Hull KR). The dramatic final minute of the 1895 Cup Final with a kick from the touchline to take it to golden point, which unfortunately for Batley was missed, and finally witnessing the first ever Women’s Challenge Cup Final being played at Wembley. Dylan also got to lift the Men’s Challenge cup final trophy!
To finish the trip, on Sunday the lads went on a Football Stadium sight seeing trip, going to The Emirates, The Olympic Stadium and The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Dylan and Kellen got pictures with all the famous landmarks that are located around these fantastic stadiums.
With all the former and current players and dignitaries Dylan met over the course of the weekend, the people who stood out, and were mentioned, the most were Chris and Glenda. They were fantastic with Dylan; you could see over the entire trip Dylan really wanted to interact with them both and wanted to share all the stories and adventures he has been on.
On behalf of the Club, we would like to thank Chris and Glenda, RL cares and the Rugby League Benevolent Fund on providing Dylan and Kellen such an unforgettable experience.
Well done Dylan!
