Former rugby player Lee Maddox lost a long battle with illness this week, aged 53. He leaves wife Lesley and daughters Sophie, Ceri and Ellie.
Lee gravitated from football to rugby in the 1980’s, after his brothers Gareth and Geraint were already established with Douglas RUFC. Never one to shirk a challenge, Lee went on to captain the 2XV in the course of a 40-year association with Douglas as part of the Maddox dynasty, and he was proud to lead from the front.
The brothers elder sister Deborah is married to current club President Paul Snellgrove, but sadly their other sibling Denise died only six weeks ago. Parents Roy and Christine Maddox are passionate Douglas RUFC supporters and have contributed greatly over the years. Christine has knitted hundreds of club-coloured items that raised thousands of pounds for the club, and as a couple always support on the touchline, come rain or shine.
The funeral cars travelled from the family home and followed a route down Bray Hill, Quarter Bridge and past DRUFC on the way to Douglas crematorium. Respectful applause and tribute sirens from the many maroon and gold-clad mourners lining the roads demonstrated the regard and depth of feeling toward the family.
