TRIBUTES TO A RUGBY CLUB STALWART
THE former mining village of Senghenydd will come to a standstill next week when it bids farewell to a woman described as the heartbeat of the local rugby club.
Stephanie Williams passed away earlier this month, aged 47, after a fourmonth battle with cancer.
For 14 years, she had been the chairperson of Senghenydd RFC’s mini and junior section, playing a crucial role in enabling hundreds of youngsters to play the game.
Tributes to her have poured in over the past couple of weeks and the streets of the village are set to be lined for her funeral on August 7, with an event also planned at the club.
Rugby very much runs in the family, with her father, Jeff Ford, having played for Senghenydd and her younger brother, Alun Ford, having done the same, as well as coaching the first team for seven years.
“Steph grew up watching dad play in her early years and then, at the same time as I was playing, she started getting involved with the minis and juniors,” explains Alun. “She worked for Caerphilly Council’s children services, so she was very much focused on helping children.
“She became a key figure in the club very quickly and was chairperson of the minis and juniors for 14 years.
“When she took on the role, we only had one or two teams, but she built it up so we had one in each age group from U7s to U16s.
“She did everything, whether it be registration, attending district meetings, cooking in the kitchen. She would make sure things happened and if that meant her doing it, then so be it.
“That even went down to salvaging boots that had gone too small, so she could pass them on to other disadvantaged kids. A lot of children and parents have been very grateful over the years for all the help and support she provided. She was very much the heartbeat of the club.”
Stephanie was diagnosed with inoperable gallbladder cancer in March and underwent chemotherapy before passing away on July 19.
“She was diagnosed just before lockdown and it was a four-month short battle,” said Alun.
“Initially, they were hopeful of treating or stablising it. But after one round of her chemotherapy tablets, it was diagnosed that it was terminal and she only had three weeks to live. It was such a tough time for all us. Typical Steph, she was a fighter and she fought six weeks in total.”
Stephanie was married to Darren, with their sons Lewis, 18, and Gethyn, 13, having both played for Senghenydd.
“The family have been overwhelmed by the support and messages from everyone. It’s been amazing,” said Alun.
“That’s what keeps us going and drives us on. The whole community is close-knit and that includes the mini and junior section. They have raised quite a sum of money to send flowers and things to the family .”
The funeral service will be held at Thornhill Crematorium on the afternoon of Friday, August 7.
Due to Covid restrictions, only 20 people will be allowed to attend the crematorium, but people are set to line the streets of Senghenydd.
There will also be a function at the rugby club, with members of the mini and junior section encouraged to wear Senghenydd jerseys.
Senghenydd RFC issued a heartfelt statement, paying tribute to Stephanie.
It reads: “Our club and village are absolutely devastated.
“All our love and thoughts are with the Ford/Williams family. It is so sad and so unfair. Steph was easily the most influential and important person in our club as head of our mini and juniors. She will be forever in our hearts.
“She was a truly committed supporter, patron and contributor to Senghenydd RFC and its wider community.
“As chairperson of the mini and junior section for almost 14 years, she played an incredible and pivotal role in co-ordinating arrangements for up to 130 children each season.
“Steph’s most endearing quality was she never sought praise or accolades for her hard work, dedication and commitment. She simply loved the game, the club and watching children thrive there. She really was one in a million and leaves a huge legacy.
“The loss of Steph is felt by all who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing her and our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends at this very sad time.”