YORK City Knights officials are rallying round to help the family of player Jordan Rice after his father was taken ill and died while on holiday abroad.

Frank Rice, from Castleford, developed pneumonia in the Dominican Republic and was put into an induced coma.

But with his insurance failing to cover the costs of the treatment, the club decided to raise funds to help bring him back to the UK for treatment by holding a race afternoon with a raffle in the club’s Bar 13 at Huntington Stadium from noon on Saturday November 5.

Mr Rice subsequently passed away, but the event will still go ahead as the family will still face medical costs, said general manager Ian Wilson.

The club will also screen the Four Nations Double Header from Wembley - Wales v New Zealand and England v Australia- which kicks off at 1pm.

Mr Wilson said it was likely three races would be held before the first match and two or three afterwards, with the event to be attended by the full Knights squad and staff.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jordan, his sister Ashleigh and the rest of the family at this extremely difficult time,” he added.

• Anyone wishing to sponsor a race or make a donation to the fundraising efforts should contact Mr Wilson at the club office on 01904 767404 or email ian@ycknights.co.uk