Page 13 - Real Rochdale Issue 09 Winter 2020

Stephen Gartland Foundation Members of the community shared details of
the social media campaign #ItsOkayToTalk in
Stephen’s memory. The campaign, founded by
Halifax rugby league player Luke Ambler, raises
awareness of male suicide and works to
The Stephen Gartland Foundation was set up by remove the stigma of depression.
Brad Gartland in memory of his father Stephen, a
former rugby league player and coach.
The road leading to the Mayfield ground in
Castleton has been named after the late coach,
He spoke to Katie Davies about the stigma known today as ‘Steve Gartland Way’ and
surrounding men and their mental health, and Rochdale Hornets also lent support, with the
what he is doing to help raise awareness.
inaugural Steve Gartland Memorial Trophy.

The Stephen Gartland Foundation officially Ben Nevis climbs, sponsored bike rides, an
launched at Rochdale Mayfield Rugby Club in annual T20 cricket match and running from
February 2017. Carlisle to Newcastle are just a few examples of
how SG6 supporters have fundraised over the
Following a battle with anxiety and depression, last three years, raising thousands of pounds to
Stephen Gartland, an avid rugby player turned make life easier for people experiencing Local sports teams with links to the
influential youth coach and aeronautical difficulties. foundation include SG6 on their kits
engineer, sadly took his own life in August
2016, aged just 45. In return, the foundation has donated
thousands to worthy causes, ranging from “My family and I want to thank all the sports
Recognised as ‘Garty’ to all that knew him, youth sport organisations to supplying a clubs and individuals who have helped us
through fundraising over the past few years,
Stephen grew up in Oldham and in his youth month’s worth of food vouchers to a young generally supporting us and spreading the
played rugby professionally for Rochdale can meet to talk about their problems in a safe mother diagnosed with terminal cancer and word,” said Brad. “You are all massively
Hornets, Oldham Roughyeds, and Swinton environment and speak with others who have donating towards the cost of materials so a boy appreciated and we wouldn’t have
Lions, building a career that spanned nearly a faced similar situations. suffering with a chronic condition could regain accomplished what we have without you.”
decade from when he was first signed in the his independence.
early nineties. 24-year-old Brad, who lives in Lowerplace with
his mum Joanne and 22-year-old brother Liam, Most recently in June 2020, Brad Gartland and Data from the Office of National Statistics
said: “My dad was such a thoughtful, generous reveals that in 2019 the male suicide rate for
After retiring from his playing career, Stephen his brother, Liam, presented Rochdale RSPCA England and Wales was the highest it has been
became a popular youth coach, coaching the and caring man who gave up a lot of his time to with a £500 cheque after seeing the damage for two decades, with around three-quarters
‘Garty’s Boys’ youth side at Rochdale Mayfield, help others. After he took his own life, it left a caused to its premises by flash flooding. of registered suicide deaths among men (4,303
where he had also played for the open age first massive hole in everyone’s hearts. deaths compared with 1,388 female deaths).
team, hoping to inspire youngsters into the The highest age-specific suicide rate was of
game that he loved. “He was a man who was full of inspiration and
he was the life and soul of the party. For this to men between the ages of 45 to 49 years.
happen to such a happy, outgoing, and
In the months that followed his death, Brad continued: “It’s frightening how high the
Stephen’s eldest son, Brad, launched the passionate person just shows how powerful numbers are, yet mental health and suicide get
Stephen Gartland Foundation in his memory. depression, and mental health issues, can be. very little attention. It is vitally important that
He wanted to encourage men to speak out men feel comfortable to talk about their
about their problems, but to also give back “We are such a close family that would always feelings and issues.
some of his father’s generosity to the local be open about anything, but dad never felt that
community, carrying on his legacy. it was okay to talk about how he was feeling
because he was too proud.” “People might look like they are okay on the
outside, but they might be facing so many
It was decided the foundation, also known as different problems on the inside. Never take
SG6, would raise funds for local junior sports for granted that people feel okay.
teams, including for kits and equipment, as well When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or
as medical treatment and equipment for sick night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on “I want it to change for other people, so they
children. It also aims to contribute 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit don’t have to go through what my dad did.”
towards Andy’s Man Club - a group where men samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. Stephen Gartland playing for Rochdale Hornets
during his professional career
REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2020 12 13 REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2020