Steve’s charity gives children a sporting chance

LOCAL sporting groups have benefitted from cash injections from a charitable foundation.

The Stephen Gartland Foundation, set up to help men suffering from mental illness, in memory of Rugby League player and coach Stephen, has funded junior sports teams and workshops at Crimble Croft Community Centre in Heywood, aiming to empower children through sports, talking therapies, creative lessons and also meditation.

A statement from the foundation said: “After a very successful dinner and cabaret evening superbly organised by Pete Duffy in December the foundation agreed to make donations to several youth sport organisations throughout the borough and beyond.

“Although mainly rugby-based clubs have benefited they are not the exclusive recipients.

“Each request has been looked at on its own merit and dealt with accordingly.

“Most if not all youth rugby teams in Rochdale and Oldham have seen some sort of donation from the foundation and this has gone to ease the burden of running these teams.

“There have also been junior football teams which have received help and, like the rugby lads they are extremely grateful.

“The ‘Garty’ legacy continues to grow and the people involved in running the foundation should feel a real sense of pride knowing they are contributing in some way to improving the lives of others.

“So take a bow one and all and keep up the good work Stephen would be proud of each and every one of you.”

The foundation also donated money to homelessness charity Mustard Tree and said there are plans to help buy a bespoke wheelchair for a chronically ill boy in Rochdale. ●●The foundation was set up in memory of rugby league player and coach Stephen Gartland who died after a six-month battle with depression and anxiety