It doesn't bear thinking about the devastating news that was to come to the Walker family, it was July 2020 when the shock news filtered through that a bubbly young lady Dawn Walker was on her way to hospital fighting for her life, a life which was taken through tragic circumstances. This was a healthy young lady with a young family and many years of happiness ahead of her. Whilst Gary Walker and his family will never get over the loss and the pain and heartbreak July 20th brought to their door, once the pain started to ease Gary came to see me explaining that around the anniversary of the passing of Dawn he felt he wanted to arrange a fundraising event for a charity his sister Dawn was close to, which was “ Mind UK. Gary’s idea was a Brent Peters XI versus a Dawn Walker XI which would be Managed by Damian Moran who was a previous captain of mine at Bacup Borough. Gary could not have picked anyone better to get a quality side together that would represent his sister with pride, and pride and fitting it proved to be from the start to finish.
Team Captains Alongside Brent Peters And Damian Moran
I would like to pay my personal tribute to Gary, his wife, Lynsay, Nicole, Chloe, Cameron and Chantelle, Gary's lads Gary and Thomas, Damian Moran, my Head of Media Steve Brown and my Personal Assistant Debra O’Connor, to whom played a huge part in making this day, the day it was. Their planning and work ethic in making this day such a memorable one was testament to Dawn. Planning and delivering is one thing, it is whether people turn up and support, this is where I pay so much respect to the Community of Bacup that did turn out in their hundreds in support, Bacup has had its knocks over time, but one thing you can guarantee, when it is one of their own, Bacup supports, this for the Love of Dawn.
Dawn's Children On The Pitch For Balloon Release
Blown away is an understatement. On behalf of the Walker family, The Charity “ Mind, I thank you all Bacup you were great. Following the Football, local singer Francesca more than played her part to whom was followed by Irish Singer Ryan Ireland, two contrasting but brilliant singers, again so fitting for the love of Dawn. I would like to thank all the footballers that did take part, even the young ones from which there was a mixture from Rossendale United and Bacup Borough Juniors, also thank the match officials. Finally I would like to thank my Bar staff of Amy, Keah, Daneille, Susan, Michelle and Debra. These girls were on their feet, on the go for twelve hours is not an easy feat, this all for the Love of Dawn. Once again Bacup, you were amazing, a fitting tribute for Dawn and proceeds going to such a great cause “ Mind UK “ This day will live with us all for many years to come.
Brent Peters
Bacup Borough FC Club Manager
