A CAMPAIGN in tribute to tragic Keighley Cougars star Danny Jones to get defibrillators into rugby league clubs throughout the country is being supported by a prestigious awards scheme.

Yorkshire Choice Awards organisers have selected the cause as their charity partner for next year.

The defibrillator initiative, launched by Danny's widow Lizzie Jones in conjunction with the RFL Benevolent Fund, has already raised enough money for more than 30 clubs to receive the lifesaving devices.

Mrs Jones has personally presented machines to several West Yorkshire rugby clubs, plus the cricket club and community centre in her home village of Northowram.

And with about two fifths of the £50,000 target achieved, it is hoped to equip many junior and community clubs by the end of the year.

Mrs Jones – a professional singer and mother of young twins – instigated the campaign following the death of Danny, who collapsed during a match in May last year. He was later found to have a hereditary heart condition.

Melanie Malcolm, who co-founded the Yorkshire Choice Awards with Jo Maltby, said: "Lizzie is an incredible lady.

"The passion and courage she has shown in such traumatic circumstances motivated us to immediately open discussions about us supporting her in 2017."

Nominations are now open in the awards scheme, which recognises inspirational Yorkshire people and organisations.

Visit yorkshirechoiceawards.co.uk for more details.