THE RUGBY community of Leigh is mourning the loss of a man whose fund-raising efforts were legendary.
Frank Costello is estimated to have sold close to £500,000 worth of raffle tickets and merchandise in his time and was vital to the survival of the town's thriving amateur rugby scene.
He was a great friend to Leigh East ARLFC throughout his life, w
here both his sons played and grandson Joe also plays. He also sold tickets for local rivals Leigh Miners Rangers.
Sadly, Frank passed away in the Standish Ward of Wigan Infirmary on Wednesday morning.
East chairman Keith Latham said: "We're absolutely devastated down at the club.
"He sold tickets to everyone and everybody in Leigh knew him for that.
"Frank would sell about £12,000 of raffle tickets for us over the summer every year and he really kept Leigh East alive.
"In the last 30 years, he's probably contributed about half-a-million pounds to the club.
"He was everything to us - care-taker, bar man, fund-raiser - and a really nice man to boot.
"He lived right by the side of the Grasmere Street ground and looked after the keys to the club - you could just call on him any time and get him to open up for you. His wife Marion used to work behind the bar too.
"I'm just gutted for the family and all our thoughts go out to them. He hadn't been well for years but it was still a shock."
The funeral will be taking place at Sacred Heart on Tuesday July 8 at 10.30am. There will be a function afterwards from 12pm to 3pm at Leigh East's new clubhouse on Ledgard Avenue at Leigh Sports Village.
Family flowers only, donations to the Christie Hospital.
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