Hannah loses cancer battle after fulfilling formal dream with Knight in shining armour
Hannah Rye, the terminally ill teenager who made national headlines when she was escorted to her school formal by NRL star player Trent Hodkinson, has died.
The 15-year-old died over the weekend a month after the Newcastle Knights halfback escorted her to the Year 10 winter formal at Kurri Kurri High School in NSW's Hunter region.
The pair had been close since meeting at John Hunter Children's Hospital in 2016 where Hannah was being treated for a rare type of cancer called Ewing sarcoma.
Hannah looked so happy to be with Trent on her special day. Image: Twitter
Ewing sarcoma is a type of cancer found in bones or soft tissue.
School principal Tracey Breese said last month the event was specifically arranged due to the seriousness of Hannah's illness, given "she will not be here" for the traditional end-of-year formal.
"She was floating, just floating. She said at the end of the night 'I just don't want it to end'," Ms Breese said.
The Knights star melted hearts with the incredibly touching gesture.
The pair had met last year at John Hunter Children’s Hospital. Image: Twitter
The pair cutting the formal cake posed happily together for photos. Image: Twitter
"Trent was just the consummate gentleman," Breese continued.
Hodkinson held Hannah's hand as they rode in the back of the car on the way to the formal before taking her arm as they walked inside.
He then helped her cut a cake at the event as everyone watched on in admiration.
"She was the star of the show, all her friends were cheering for her," Hodkinson said after special night.
Her family set out to make Hannah’s time as enjoyable as possible, which also included a trip to New Zealand reported the Newcastle Knights. Source: Newcastle Knights
Hannah's mother Rachel has since revealed that it was actually Hodkinson's idea to take Hannah to the formal.
"It was something he really wanted to do," Rachel told the Knights website.
"He's the sweetest man, and we love him.”
7 News Online have reached out to the Newcastle Knights for comment.
