Supporters are reminded of the key details for the Memorial Service of Johnny Whiteley MBE, taking place at the MKM Stadium on Monday 14th March.
The public service will be a celebration of John’s life, reflecting his time growing up in the city, his legendary career with Hull FC and his dedication to the local community.
The service will be followed by a private cremation for immediate family only. We politely ask that people respect this request.
The memorial service will be open to the public and invited guests, with access to the stadium from 12.00pm – entry to the stadium bowl for members of the public will be via the South West corner entrance. Supporters are asked to be in their seats for 12.30pm, with the service commencing at 12.45pm in front of the West Stand, led by Hull FC Club Chaplain Rev. Tony Cotson.
Those arriving by car are asked to park in the stadium’s South Stand car park, accessible via the Anlaby Road entrance.
Johnny’s remarkable life will be reflected in pictures, video and with tributes from representatives of Hull FC, Hull KR, West Hull ARLFC and the local community.
Guest speakers during the service will including Hull FC chairman Adam Pearson, Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell, Chairperson of the Hull FC Ex-Players Association Keith Tindall, and Rugby League historian Tony Collins.
Representatives of the Eureka Club and the Boulevard Academy will also make short readings.
Hull FC’s directors, staff, coaches and various playing squads will attend the service, alongside a host of Hull FC ex-players.
Students from the Boulevard Academy, the school based on the site of Hull FC’s former ground which also has a house named after Whiteley, will also pay their own tribute.
Live musical performances will also accompany the service, including a special rendition of ‘Old Faithful’ from Hull’s All For One choir.
Prior to the service, the funeral cortege will pass through the west side of the city, including Hessle Road, where Johnny was born and proudly grew up, before arriving at the stadium.
Guests are advised not to bring flowers at the request of the family. However, guests will be able to donate on the day to the Hull FC Community Foundation, of which Johnny was a long-serving patron, and these funds will go towards a community initiative that will be delivered in his honour.
Those who are unable to attend the service will be listen to live coverage via BBC Radio Humberside from 12.00pm with Mike White and Gwilym Lloyd.
As a mark of respect, Hull FC will be closing the club offices and retail stores at 12 noon on Monday 14th March – retail stores will reopen at 2.30pm, and the club offices will re-open at 9.00am the following day.
Ex-players are advised to arrange their attendance by notifying the Hull FC Ex-Players Association via email at info@hullfc-explayers.co.uk or by calling or messaging Chairperson Keith Tindall on 07929 450886, or Craig O’Donnell on 07956512830.
All other enquiries should be directed to M Garton & Son – www.mgarton.co.uk.
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