Page 19 - Real Rochdale Issue 16 Winter 2022

£100k donated by RKT Trust skateboarders, BMXers, scooter riders and
mini skaters a space just for them.

Since then, the trust fund has given over
£100,000 back into the local community
After nine years of work in the through fundraiser events like the annual T20
local community, Newhey cricket match in Ryan’s honour, various

charity The RKT Trust Fund has sponsored sporting events, Milnrow’s Got
Talent, casino nights, golf days, comedy nights
donated over £100,000 to other and individual donations. It aims to raise as
local charities and good causes. much as possible for young people who are, in The charity has organised many different fundraising activities
their words, “less fortunate than Ryan.”

“We wanted to have a positive impact and a Morris dancing troupe and many other local
The RKT Trust Fund was formed following the raise money for young people’s charities and football and rugby teams.
tragic death of 19-year-old Ryan Kristian projects in the north west,” trustees Rebecca
Taylor, who took his own life in October 2012. Pictured: Ryan on his BMX
Owen and Lynne Higgins said. “The T20 was “We couldn’t do it without the volunteers we
one of our earliest events.” always rely on, and the local businesses in the
An apprentice mechanical engineer, Ryan was The RKT Trust Fund committee is comprised local area which have sponsored us over the
an extremely popular young man loved by of Diane Taylor, Rebecca Owen, Lynne Higgins, Some other projects that have stemmed from years, donated prizes and made monetary
family and his many friends, with a passion for Neil Shelmerdine, Donna Williamson, Karen Ryan’s legacy include the children’s play area at donations,” Diane said.
sports – in particular, BMX biking – and an Clancy, Dan Blair and Pete Thomas with core Milnrow Cricket Club, along with Ryan’s Den
active social life. Ryan enjoyed playing cricket volunteers including Kenny Taylor, Helen and at Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home, one of Rebecca and Lynne agreed, saying: “Ryan will
at Milnrow Cricket Club, where he also worked Kenny Smith, and Liz Shelmerdine. the trust’s main beneficiaries. never be forgotten, we constantly talk about
as a glass collector, barman and playing football him between our close friends and family. We
at the former Milnrow Soccer Village. The fund originally set out to raise money in the The Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home make sure we still remember what a fantastic
12 months following Ryan’s death – starting provides holidays for less fortunate children person he was.”
His parents Diane and Kenny describe him as when the family asked for donations to charity who may not otherwise have one. To date, RKT
“always having a smile on his face” and a in lieu of flowers. has donated £27,000 to the charity, which Diane added: “So many people have helped and
“thrillseeker” whilst other trustees of the provides the welcome breaks between April done so much, and myself Kenny and Alex along
charity say Ryan was “the one his friends would It was only fitting that the RKT Trust Fund’s and October. with all the committee would like to thank
go to with a problem.” first project came in supporting the Friends everyone for their generosity and support
of Milnrow Park in building a BMX and skate Other beneficiaries have included the Friends because they’ve all played a massive part.”
“He was such a bubbly person,” Diane said. “We park for young people in the area – a long-time of Milnrow Park, Milnrow Cricket Club,
had the best relationship and he would talk dream of Ryan’s. Milnrow Preschool, Trewan Sands, Petrus, Jolly
to me about anything. Ryan never shared any Josh, Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide, the
thoughts on ending his life, he didn’t say In 2007, he wrote a letter to Rochdale Council Red Cross, Positive Steps, Milnrow girl guides, Help and support
anything. He didn’t talk to anyone about it and asking for a skate park to be built in the area –
we don’t know why. which came to fruition in 2013. HOPELINEUK is Papyrus’ confidential helpline
service providing practical advice and support to

“He was so open and friendly, he got on with With the backing of ward councillors and the young people with thoughts of suicide and anyone
concerned about a young person who may have
everyone and had been brought up to input of young people from Hollingworth thoughts of suicide.
communicate with people of all ages.” Business and Enterprise College and Newhey
Community Primary School, the skate park was HOPELINEUK is staffed by trained professionals,
built in Milnrow Memorial Park, giving offering a telephone, text and email service.

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help
and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK
Donations can be made to the RKT Trust on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email
using the following bank details: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Sort code: 05-02-77
Account number: 20659023 For more details about the online HOPELINK
RKT Trust has donated money to many local charities service, visit: www.papyrus-uk.org/hopelink/

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