Aden View Care Home resident Bert Mackay with Huddersfield Giants assistant coach Leroy Cudjoe

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Huddersfield rugby stalwart reunited with former players as club gives back to community hero

A retired rugby coach from Huddersfield was treated to a heartwarming surprise when Huddersfield Giants players paid him a special visit at his care home, followed by a VIP match-day experience.

Albert “Bert” Mackay, 78, who lives at Aden View Care Home, welcomed first team players Thomas Burgess and Harry Rushton, who spent time chatting and sharing passes with him using a gifted ball.

In a separate visit, Giants assistant coach Leroy Cudjoe also dropped in, rekindling a connection that stretches back decades.

(from left) Huddersfield Giants forward Harry Rushton, Bert, and prop Matty English.

A lasting legacy in local rugby

Bert played a key role in shaping the careers of several Huddersfield rugby figures.

He coached Cudjoe early in his career during his time with the Huddersfield district representative side and also worked with future Giants legend Michael Lawrence at Newsome Panthers.

His own playing career began at 16 while serving in the Army, including time overseas in Germany with the British Army of the Rhine.

After leaving the forces, he continued playing amateur rugby at Huddersfield RLFC’s former Fartown ground and for Britannia Works and Paddock clubs until the age of 59, before turning his attention to coaching.

Despite living with dementia, Bert immediately recognised Cudjoe during the visit.

Bert’s wife, Hazel, said: “He said: “oh it’s Leroy,” as soon as he walked in the room.”

Emotional reunion and special memories

During the visit, Cudjoe spoke with Bert about the many players he had coached over the years, while Burgess and Rushton brought smiles as they threw passes with him.

The celebrations did not end there. The Huddersfield Giants Community Trust arranged for Bert to attend the club’s recent victory over York City Knights, where the Giants triumphed 34–14.

Bert and his family were given VIP treatment, watching the match from a box and visiting the players’ lounge, where he met more members of the team. He was joined by Hazel and care assistant Anthony Blair, a fellow Giants supporter.

Hazel said: “It’s amazing what the staff do for the residents at Aden View Care Home. This was really special for Albert. Thank you to Aden View and the Huddersfield Giants for making a really special day.”

Bert and care assistant, Anthony Blair, at the Huddersfield Giants versus York City Knights rugby league match

‘A chance to give something back’

Reflecting on the reunion, Cudjoe highlighted the impact Bert has had on the local game.

Leroy said: “I’ve known Bert for a long time. He coached Michael Lawrence’s team at Newsome Panthers, a year or two below me, and also coached me during my time with the Huddersfield district representative side.

“So, when his wife Hazel reached out, I was more than happy to go and visit him at Aden View Care Home. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with Bert and, hopefully, I put a smile on his face.

“The club and the care home did a brilliant job arranging for him to attend the York game. Seeing him afterwards, he was absolutely buzzing – I’m guessing especially because of the win.

“Bert has given up so much of his own time over the years to support the community game in Huddersfield through Newsome Panthers, helping players like myself, Michael Lawrence, and many others who have come through the club at different age groups.

“It meant a lot for the club and the players to be able to give something back to him.”

(from left) Huddersfield Giants forward Harry Rushton, Bert, and prop Thomas Burgess.

‘Making memories that will be cherished forever’

Care home staff also praised the impact of the visit.

Kim McKay, home manager at Aden View Care Home, said: “It was such a great day, all provided by the Huddersfield Giants.

“Listening to Bert’s wife, Hazel, and watching her talk about how special this has been for Bert makes everything worthwhile. You could see in her expressions how thrilled she was that Bert experienced this.

“Making memories that will be cherished forever should not stop when someone comes to live at a care home.

“Even small things can mean the whole world to others. This experience with the Giants was no small thing for Bert and Hazel and it was amazing to be part of it.”