Community & Business
25 June, 2026
Wattles carry Lozza's Legacy
Since Lauren Smith, a beloved local, passed away from SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy) in 2024, her parents Craig and Susan Smith have turned their tragedy into a campaign to raise funds for research and to raise awareness. On Sunday, the Wattles Warriors donned Lozza’s Legacy themed jerseys and took to the field against the Dalby Diehards in a day dedicated to the former Wattles Junior and her parents’ mission.
The Warriors abandoned their usual green and gold to run out against the Diehards in purple for this year’s Rod Frahm Cup.
Purple is the colour of Lozza’s Legacy.
Run by Craig and Susan Smith, Lozza’s Legacy seeks to fund research into SUDEPs and raise awareness of the condition.
What Lauren meant to the town of Clifton was no small thing, as the Wattles saw its biggest home crowd of the year.
An Epilepsy Queensland stall was selling merchandise, raising funds and awareness.
The purple teddy sloths that were on sale were a hit with the kids.
Susan Smith told the Clifton Courier that Lauren’s favourite animal was a sloth.
On the day that would have been Lauren’s 23rd birthday, Clifton showed up in memory of the beloved member of the community.
The O’Briens Lozza Legacy truck was parked on the far side of Platz Oval, with Lauren’s smiling face watching over the games of footy played throughout the day.
After the Rod Frahm Cup was awarded to the Dalby Diehards after a dominant win over the Wattles, the clubhouse was quickly packed with the Wattles faithful.
Matthew Grayson auctioned off the jerseys and some tickets to the third State of Origin, with every jersey being contested.
Some of the more popular positions and players saw their jerseys sell for over $500.
All money raised will go toward Epilepsy Queensland.
Lauren played for the Wattles Juniors in league tag.
Susan Smith said the Wattles approached her with the idea to run a fundraising day for Lozza’s Legacy.
Over $9,000 was raised in what was a strong showing of support.
Eighty per cent of the money raised will go directly to research into the causes of SUDEPs.
Once again Clifton district residents came together to support one of their own.
Saturday also saw a Lozza’s Legacy race day held at Clifford Park in Toowoomba in what was a weekend of fundraising for the cause.
Susan was incredibly grateful for the support from Wattles and the community.
“It was such an incredible day which was well supported by our local community, friends and family. Remembering Lauren and all that she was and raising awareness about Epilepsy and SUDEP,” Susan said.
“As a family we are very grateful.”
