2004 Grand Final hero takes on epic challenge

Back in 2004, Matt Diskin made Leeds Rhinos fans dreams come true with a Man of the Match winning performance to help end 32-years of waiting and win our first ever Grand Final. 

The former Great Britain hooker, whose son Joe is a rising star in the current Rhinos Academy squad, is now aiming to complete a different sort of challenge for a fantastic cause. 

Matt, David Diskin and Mark Fortis, with support of various friends, began the Wild Atlantic Way Challenge in 2021, subsequently being completed in three stages. The third and final stage will be a 700 mile, and lots of mountains, journey taking place from the 10th to 17th September 2025 in the memory of Daisy Morton.

Daisy's family have been an integral part of the Dewsbury Moor ARLFC community for decades; sharing close ties with the cycling team completing this challenge.

In April 2022, Daisy was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer. Matt explained, "Daisy was an absolute inspiration to us all, taking every stage of treatment in her stride. Throughout Daisy’s treatment the charity Candlelighter’s were a constant support to Daisy and her family."

Unfortunately in September 2023 Daisy lost her battle with cancer.

Candlelighter’s continue to support the family of Daisy. They regularly provide sessions to Daisy's twin sister, this helps her to move forward following the loss of her sister.

Candlelighters support families facing children's cancer in Yorkshire, financially, emotionally and practically. They get involved in all sorts of projects to help ordinary families who are facing extraordinary circumstances. Both fund & offer holidays, therapies, grants and roles for many people who make children's cancer treatment in Yorkshire amongst the best in the country. They are also proud to invest in a vital research programme into the causes of children's cancer and potential new treatments.

You can sponsor Matt and his team here