The Newcastle Knights will wear black armbands as a tribute to Hunter teen Hannah Rye who lost her battle with cancer this week.
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Hannah was a big fan of the Knights and attended her Year 10 formal at Kurri Kurri High School with player Trent Hodkinson as her date.
Hannah and Hodkinson met in 2016 when Hodkinson dedicated his kicks to Hannah as part of the 'Tren7's Kick for Kids' initiative.
“The club has offered support to Hannah's family and will continue to do so,” a Newcastle Knights statement on Thursday said.
“The club will also continue to respect the family's privacy at this difficult time.
“Trent Hodkinson and the team will be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect when the Knights take on the Canberra Raiders this Friday night.”
The Mt Vincent teenager will be remembered for her bright smile and beautiful personality.
“She shined so very brightly with a smile that just lit up a nation,” Hannah’s mother Racheal Rye said this week.
“We have had the most incredible past 14 weeks completing everything on her wish list – Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand and her school formal.”
“She wished to pass away peacefully at home with us by her side and it has been our honour and privilege to be her parents. Her light will continue to shine and her legacy will be profound.”
Kurri Kurri High School broke the news to the community on Facebook on Tuesday.
“As you are aware we lost our beautiful Hannah last night. We will all be grieving and I ask for you all to be kind to one another and help support our students and community through this tough time. If anyone feels they need time out or someone to talk to please see a teacher and ask for help,” the post said.
The school has provided support to Hannah and her family since she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma when she was just 13-years-old.
One of Hannah’s wishes was to be escorted to her resting place by a “sea of motorbikes” just like her friend Connar Gibson.
Connar met Hannah when they were going through chemotherapy together at John Hunter Hospital. Sadly Connar, who had a brain tumour, died in October 2016 at the age of nine.
Charity Fight for Connar, which provides support to families of terminally ill children, is now calling for people to get involved to make this come true.
Hannah's family have asked any interested riders who would like to join the escort to meet at Cameron Park industrial area by 1.20pm sharp on the September 1 ready to ride.
Due to the formal occasion all attendees are asked to wear a collared shirt or suit.
- Hannah's service will begin at 2.20pm at Ryhope Memorial Park on September 1.
HANNAH’S STORY