FORMER Wrexham AFC players are set to host a charity golf day in memory of another former Reds player who took his own life four years ago.
The event, in honour of Kieron Durkan, will take place at Carden Park, Cheshire, on Wednesday, August 17.
Former and current Wrexham stars will be playing alongside friends of Kieron to raise money for Sporting Wellness, a charity providing free mental healthcare to UK athletes.
The fundraiser has been organised by former Wrexham players Neil Roberts and Stephen Thomas, who wanted to reunite past players whilst at the same time remembering Kieron and raising awareness of mental health.
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Neil Roberts, who recently launched 3 Brothers Consultancy – the firm leading the fundraiser – said: “A few of us former players are in a WhatsApp group called Wrexham Legends, and I really wanted to get everyone reconnecting face to face.
"We had a great response and thought it would be a good idea to put on a charity event to commemorate Kieron with colleagues and friends.
PIC: Neil Roberts was a striker who had two separate spells with Wrexham, making over 100 appearances.
“While it feels like more people are talking about mental health, there’s still a stigma attached stopping people coming forward. That’s why we’ve chosen to donate all proceeds to mental health charity, Sporting Wellness.
"There’s loads going on to raise money including a charity auction with fantastic prizes including signed football shirts from Wrexham AFC, Manchester United, Everton, and one of Sadio Mane’s most recently signed shirts. There’s also gift vouchers to spend at local businesses such as Carden Park, Secret Spa and The Fat Boar.”
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Stephen Thomas, who now runs Asset Fire Solutions and was in the Wrexham AFC youth team with Neil, added: “In football, we need to create an environment where it doesn’t matter who it is - whether it’s the club manager, the team captain, any of the players or those working behind the scenes - they should be able to speak up.
“In football, we need to create an environment where it doesn’t matter whether it’s the manager of the football club, the team captain, any of the players or those working behind the scenes. It’s important they can speak up about how they are feeling without judgement and be professionally supported.”
PIC: Stephen Thomas made over 100 appearances for Wrexham, playing as a midfielder.
Sporting Wellness, which used to be known as Sporting Minds, is a UK charity providing free, professional mental healthcare to athletes.
Callum Lea, Founder of Sporting Wellness said: ‘We are honoured and humbled to be the charity of choice for what will be a special event to remember Kieron Durkan. We hope you all enjoy the day and thank you to everyone for your support.”
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The day is sponsored by Wrexham-headquartered recruitment business gap personnel group, and supported by local and national businesses including The Fat Boar, The Parish, Wrexham Lager, The Secret Spa, Networld Sports, and Prosport Wealth.
The event itself is not open to the public.
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