Former Wrexham AFC players host charity golf day in memory of Kieron Durkan

A charity golf day in memory of ex Wrexham AFC footballer Kieron Durkan – who sadly took his own life in 2018 – will be held at Carden Park on Wednesday 17th August.

Former and current Wrexham AFC players will be playing alongside friends of Kieron to raise money for Sporting Wellness, a charity providing free mental healthcare to UK athletes.

The fundraiser is organised by former Wrexham AFC players Neil Roberts and Stephen Thomas, who wanted to reunite past players whilst remembering Kieron and raising awareness of mental health.

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.”

He continued: “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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

While the event isn’t open to the public, if you have any questions please email Neil Roberts at 3 Brothers Consultancy on [email protected].

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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