A Go Fund Me page has raised thousands for the funeral of tragic rugby league star Natalie Harrowell.

Thousands of pounds have been raised for rugby league's Natalie Harrowell's funeral.

The 29-year-old Featherstone player who died suddenly last week as a result of a virus, was mother to an seven-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old step-daughter.

The fund was set up by Harrowell's childhood friend, Charlie Parkinson.

He said: "It's gone far and wide and she was a very popular person. She was funny and fun loving and put everybody else before herself.

"She really wanted the women's game to grow. I got her playing football and then she wanted to play rugby. She was a great player. 

"Her death just came out of the blue and everybody is just still in shock. My heart is breaking." 

Harrowell won Featherstone's Woman of Steel award this year and was capped three times for England.