Don’t use our son’s name for charity fundraiser
ACHILDREN’S hospice will be the beneficiary after the parents of footballing legend Gary Speed withdrew all ties from a run organised in his memory.
The former Gary Speed Memorial 10K run, organised by Colwyn Bay FC, will still take place on July 12, however Roger and Carol Speed have asked it is no longer associated with their son’s name with “immediate effect”.
Ty Gobaith, which comes under the umbrella of Hope House children’s hospices, will now benefit and the event will now be known as the Ty Gobaith 10k charity run, with 25% of the proceeds going to the hospice.
Roger and Carol Speed said they took the difficult decision due to “conflicts” with how the run had been organised.
Officials from Colwyn Bay FC claim vice president of the club and organiser of the run John Martin and the Speed family were unhappy over “low” entry numbers.
In a statement Roger and Carol said: “Due to recent circumstances that have happened and conflicts with the organisation of this, we have this evening informed Colwyn Bay FC to remove the name of Gary Speed from the forthcoming 10K run with immediate effect.
“We are withdrawing our support from this event and wish to reach out to all registered runners and confirm that the 10K Run is no longer associated with Gary Speed.”
Roger and Carol apologised for any inconvenience, but asked their decision be respected.
They said: “We can only sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused but kindly ask that our decision is respected.
“The integrity and legacy of Gary Speed is not something we take lightly and this decision has been taken with great sadness but with a firm conviction.”
“For the record, we would like to thank our great friend John Martin who not only came up with the idea to pay tribute to Gary via a 10K run last year but who has also worked tirelessly, passionately and honestly to try to make this event a success.”
Roger has also announced that he is standing down as patron of the football club.
Officials at Colwyn Bay FC said the run would go ahead, with proceeds going to local charities.
Colwyn Bay FC press officer Tim Channon said: “Colwyn Bay Football Club are sorry to have received the resignation of club patron Roger Speed following weeks of discussions between us and club vice president John Martin about cancelling or postponing the Gary Speed Memorial 10K run due to an initial low number of entries.
“We would like to wish Roger and Carol Speed and John Martin all the best for the future and thank them for what they’ve done whilst at Colwyn Bay Football Club.
The run will start and finish at the football ground and the route will take in the seafront promenade through Rhos-onSea and back
Ty Gobaith’s support extends to the whole family from diagnosis throughout the life of the child and beyond and they rely heavily on fundraising and donations.
More information about Ty Gobaith and House Hope Hospices is available on their website www.hopehospice.org.uk
For anyone wishing to take part in the event, either as runner or just to walk the course, to help raise money for Ty Gobaith, they can email gscbfc@gmail. com or register on the day at the Colwyn Bay FC clubhouse in Llanelian Road, Old Colwyn, by 10.30am.