THE Hunter came out in force to pay their respects to fallen miners Phillip Grant and Jamie Mitchell at Friday night's Knights-Broncos clash, none more so than Phillip Grant's son, Shaun.
Shaun created a handwritten sign for the occasion, which he displayed proudly, with a simple message to his fallen father, 'R.I.P Dad'.
The sign also featured drawings of a BMX rider, a sport Shaun participates in as part of the Maitland Tenambit BMX Club, where his father Phillip regularly volunteered his time.
The Maitland BMX Riders Blog shared this post on Facebook, in memory of Phillip Grant.
One of nature’s true gentlemen, Phil was well respected for his pleasant nature and eagerness to help out the Club whenever he could. And whilst we wish it was under different circumstances, it is now our turn to do all we can to help Shaun, Phil’s treasured son and one of our sprockets, continue to do BMX – something that he and his dad loved to do together.
The club have organised a fundraising event on Tuesday April 22nd, titled "Gates for Shaun", with the special gate practice hoping to raise enough funds to ensure that Shaun can continue participating in BMX for the remainder of the year.
Click here for more information on Tuesday's fundraiser and how you can help.
You can also leave a message of support for the mine victims at this link.
A minute silence was also held prior to the Knights-Broncos game in memory of both Phillip Grant and Jamie Mitchell, with Knights players paying their respects by wearing black armbands.