Community stalwart Harry has died at 84
A MAN has paid tribute to a community stalwart who spent decades ‘helping youngsters reach their potential.’
Harry Wright, 84, from Offerton, was a popular and well respected figure through his work at Stockport Lads Club.
He passed away on November 22 following a period in Stepping Hill Hospital suffering from pneumonia. A packed funeral service took place on Friday at Stockport Crematorium.
Following his death Alexander Nelstrop, from the Nelstrop family who founded the Hempshaw Lane club, paid tribute to Harry.
He said: “Harry commanded great respect and loyalty and I know he would have wished to pay tribute to his staff throughout the years - that supported him so well and to the current hard working volunteers of today.
“Harry was not one for taking credit for himself. Well today we are going to give him that credit that he deserves.
“The founders of the club in 1889 couldn’t have wished for a more dedicated and able club leader to pursue their vision of helping the lads of Stockport reach their potential, achieve success and grow to become positive members of society.”
Harry was born on Lower Hillgate on August 12, 1933, and was one of five children.
The club was founded in 1889 and was at Wellington Street until 1957 and Harry first visited at the age of four, becoming a member aged 11.
He was appointed deputy leader in the 1950s and met his wife June, who washed football kits, at the club in 1952.
Although his appointment as leader in the late 1970s was initially temporary, it lasted for 37 years.
During this time Harry, a great-grandad of Maitland Street, helped the club excel at gymnastics, boxing, basketball and football.
He also attended summer camps for youngsters in the Wirral and was awarded the MBE in 1993 for services to youth.
Alexander said: “In all of this time Harry, supported by his wife June put his heart and soul into running the club. People would turn up at the club in dire straits with money or family problems.
“He was always there for them, like a father figure. The door was always open.
“But one things for sure - Harry always said it as he saw it. Hard but fair. Even if it wasn’t what people wanted to hear, ‘if you don’t like my advice don’t ask for it,’ he would say.”