Max Blakeley’s parents: Our son loved playing rugby

The parents of Max Blakeley have sent their heartfelt thanks to the first aiders and paramedics for their attempts to save their son on the weekend.

Birkenshaw Bluedogs amateur player Max Blakeley passed away on Sunday after he felt unwell during a game and later became poorly.

And the parents of the popular rugby player have sent their heartfelt thanks to the first aiders at Heworth and Birkenshaw Rugby League clubs and the ambulance response team for their valiant attempts to revive their son after he collapsed during a Yorkshire Men’s League game.

Blakeley sadly passed away pitchside despite heroic attempts to save his life. He was just 33.

His father, Mick, said: “Our son loved playing rugby and we would like to acknowledge the kind thoughts and wishes from the rugby families at Birkenshaw RL and Cleckheaton RU.”

The Blakeley family is being supported by the RFL Benevolent Fund who will release details of funeral arrangements as soon as they have been finalised.

The RFL Benevolent Fund have requested that the privacy of the Blakeley family be respected at this tragic time.