Tributes for Alan

Alan Trott, 70, played for Dewsbury and District Inter-League, Dewsbury Celtic Shamrocks ARLF Club, Dewsbury Celtic ARL Club and Mirfield Youth Club before suffering the injury three days before his 22nd birthday.

He collapsed while playing in a Challenge Cup qualifying match in November 1964 at the Crow Nest Park ground – he had been married just three months. He was left in a wheelchair and suffered brain damage.

This week his wife Margaret paid tribute to her husband – and the friends who stood by him. She said: “He just accepted what he had and made the best of it. It was just one of those things. He was just the same person.

“He was a trier – he lived life to the full.”

Mr Trott was born in 1942 at Batley maternity home. He lived in the town for 17 years before moving to Roberttown and settling in Lineham Court, Heckmondwike.

The couple met at Ben Riley dance hall in Dewsbury, where Mr Trott was working as a doorman. They married in August 1964 at St Paul’s Church in Hanging Heaton.

He carried on his passion for rugby league, making trips to the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Mrs Trott paid tribute to fellow rugby league players who supported him throughout his life. “They never stopped coming to see him. It was just like a family,” she said.

Friend Sam Morton said: “He was brave – a bit of a warrior. He never complained and always had a smile. I learnt a lot from those qualities. It was a privilege to know him.”

Mr Trott was taken to Pinderfields hospital after suffering a stroke. He died in the morning last Tuesday with his wife Margaret and daughter Sharon by his side.

The funeral was held at St James Church in Heckmondwike on Wednesday. It was attended by rugby league legend Neil Fox MBE.