Tributes after cancer death of rugby-loving Lulu

Officials at the rugby club where Lulu Blundell was the honorary vice-president also paid tribute to the 19-year-old — who died from Ewing’s sarcoma on New Year’s Day — while Newcastle Falcons players held a minute’s applause before their match last Saturday in memory of the former ticket seller.

The Aston teenager raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust with a series of charity events and challenges and was nominated for a Pride of Britain Award in 2021.

Parents Stephen and Carolyn Blundell praised their daughter’s “enduring spirit” and said they would “treasure every minute” they had spent with her.

Lulu was diagnosed with the cancer in May 2019 at just 15 and underwent several courses of chemotherapy.

Carolyn and Stephen said their daughter, a keen player for Sheffield Rugby Union Club until she was forced to give up the sport, had shown “positivity, courage, determination, fierce independence and never allowed cancer to stop her enjoying life”.

The former Oakwood student, who had featured for teams at Wakefield Trinity and Sheffield Swans, continued to play a prominent role with Sheffield RUFC and was appointed honorary vice-president.

Her parents said in a social media tribute: “Lulu taught us all so very much about how to make the most of every moment and how important a smile, a kiss, and a hug could be in transforming your day.

“She showed us that regardless of the challenge, rising to it with dignity and determination was the only option.”

One of Lulu’s saddest moments had been when she was forced to give up playing rugby, said her parents, adding that “she massively appreciated the show of support, the promotion of fundraising for a charity very close to our hearts, and the love”.

Sheffield RUFC president Nigel Parsons said he felt privileged to have known Lulu, whom had made a huge impact on those who met her.

“Her eloquence, searing honesty and self-possession were remarkable,” he said.

“I genuinely believe she permanently changed some people’s lives and perspectives for the better that evening.”

Emily Glendenning, women’s chair for Sheffield RUFC, said it was difficult to put into words how hard Lulu’s passing would be felt by all that knew her but added she had lived life with the “fullest smile”.

Describing Lulu as “a brilliant player: fast and a hard tackler” who had an infectious personality, she added: “Clearly the traits that made her such a popular teammate and fierce player (including but not limited to being so headstrong, brave, and full of joy) were transferable to they way she tackled the ‘b****** cancer’ as she once called it.

“Never wavering in her positive outlook and strength, Lulu was an inspiration to us all and we followed her journey closely, offering our support in whatever way we could.

“Lulu raised tens of thousands of pounds for Teenage Cancer Trust through relentless, and sometimes gruelling, fundraising efforts. What an icon.

“We have all learned so much from Lulu and we’ll carry these lessons with us forever.

“Lulu lived life to the max and always reminded us to live the fullest life with the fullest smiles.”

Newcastle Falcons described Lulu as “warm, caring, selfless and inspirational”.

Sheffield RUFC will also hold a minute’s applause before their next home game.