Rugby league has united in support for former Castleford Tigers player Ryan Boyle and his four young children following the death of wife Katie, 13 months after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
News of Katie’s death was broken last night and Ryan Boyle took to social media this morning (Wednesday) to say: “Thank you everyone for your kind words. Although we knew she was terminally ill we tried everything to prolong her life unfortunately the cancer was too aggressive. Heartbroken.”
In a message on social media yesterday, Tigers said: “The club would like to send its sincere condolences to former Tiger Ryan Boyle and his family this evening, following the passing of his wife, Katie. Our thoughts are with you, Boyley.”
Among the responses was a message from Leeds Rhinos which stated: “Such sad news from our friends at [Castleford]. Our thoughts are with Ryan Boyle and his family at this desperately sad time. Fans from across the sport shared their condolences.”
Kippax Welfare community rugby league club paid tribute to Katie in an emotional social media post. It said: “Katie’s fighting spirit and determination were a shining light and an inspiration to all who were privileged to know her. A devoted wife and mother, she loved nothing more than being in the thick of it with her children and all of their friends.
“From legendary sleepovers to wild adventures, Katie always put her kids’ happiness — and the happiness of those around them — before anything else. As a club, we are extremely proud to have played a small part in supporting Katie’s fundraising when we hosted the Boyle v Kippax All Star Game. We will, of course, continue to be a place of escape, comfort and enjoyment for Ryan and the kids.”
Katie had given up work to home school the couple’s youngest son who has autism. She was diagnosed in late January last year and an online fund-raiser to help pay for treatment abroad and support the family has so far raised more than £157,000.
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