Charity tribute to tragic rugby star
ACHARITY foundation has been launched in memory of a respected former rugby league player and coach.
The family of Stephen Gartland hope it will raise funds to extend the reach of a mental health organisation which encourages men to talk about their problems and fears.
Mr Gartland - known fondly across Rochdale as ‘Garty’ - played professionally for Rochdale Hornets, Oldham Roughyeds and Swinton Lions.
He also played and coached juniors at Rochdale Mayfield in Castleton.
The father-of-two, from Turf Hill, was found dead aged 45 in Castleton, on Friday, August 19.
The death isn’t being treated as suspicious.
Friends and family backed the social media campaign #ItsOkayToTalk, which raises awareness of male suicide, following his death.
The campaign was launched by Andy’s Man Club, a talking and help group for men, set up in Halifax after the sudden death of 23-year-old rugby player Andy Roberts.
Mr Gartland’s son Bradley says he hopes the Stephen Gartland Foundation will raise enough money to allow the club to branch out into Manchester and other towns and cities across the country.
The foundation also seeks to raise cash for junior rugby teams and equipment, and fund medical treatment and equipment for sick children.
Andy’s Man Club is for ‘any man who is going through a storm, been through a storm or just wants to come along and meet a good group of people with the aim of improving one another.’
University student Bradley, 19, from Turf Hill, said on Facebook: “My dad was a thoughtful, generous and caring man who gave up a lot of his time to help others. He coached ‘Garty’s Boys’ for over 10 years, acting as a father figure to many of the lads. He also set up discos for the kids in the local area to give them something to do at the weekend.
“The Stephen Gartland Foundation aims to mirror my dad’s generosity as much as possible. There will be many different fundraising events to raise money for the foundation.”
Bradley said his father battled the ‘silent illness’ of depression before his sudden death.
He said he struggled to share his thoughts and feelings and when he started to, believed it was ‘too late’ to ever recover.
Mr Gartland’s death sparked a wave of support for the #ItsOkayToTalk campaign - with dozens of people posting okay ‘selfies’ on Facebook and Twitter.
Andy’s Man Club aims to bring men together to share experiences and advice. Solicitors are used to give fathers legal guidance over seeing their children. Classes including debt and anger management are held, alongside walks and fitness sessions.
The single biggest killer of men aged 45 is said to be suicide. For details, visit facebook.com/StephenGartlandFoundation and andysmanclub.co.uk.