By Jo Rostron
A family today launched an appeal to boost a sporting charity set up in memory of their brother who was killed in car accident.
Sisters Marilyn Chappelow and Carol Nelson launched their appeal to boost the fund established to help junior sports clubs across Leeds.
It was set up after their 59-year-old brother Garry Chappelow was hit by a car in East End Park in February 2002.
Donations
Now – four years after his death – the Garry Chappelow Memorial Fund has raised a staggering £17,000, thanks to donations from friends and businesses.
The fundraising committee organises three events a year but 2005 saw donations running low – possibly due to major global disasters which has left many local charities out in the cold.
Marilyn, 54, of Station Road, Kippax, said the family have struggled to come to terms with Garry's death.
She added: "This is one way of some good coming out of something so tragic."
His death sent shockwaves through the East Leeds community which was marked by 70 tribute notices filling a page in the Yorkshire Evening Post at the time.
An inquest in March 2003 heard that he was walking home after drinking in the Edmund House Working Men's Club in Pontefract Lane when he was struck by a Ford Sierra in East Park Parade.
Garry died after suffering multiple injuries.
The driver had not been speeding at the time and the coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Bachelor Garry, who worked for NG Bailey electrical contractors, had previously worked for Oldham Signs for 17 years.
Marilyn said: "When Garry died there was £1,800 put into the collection at the church. We sat with Garry's friends and decided to get kids off the street by giving it to junior sports clubs and helping to promote them."
Fundraising
The Leeds Rhinos fan was well-known in the rugby world and now bosses at the Healingley ground have donated the use of their new suite for a fundraising dinner dance.
Marilyn said: "We have been asked by Headingley to christen their new hospitality suite and we will be the first people to use it. It's so fantastic. We feel that we are keeping Garry's memory alive by doing these things but it's becoming increasingly difficult to raise funds."
The fund is well-supported by a handful of local firms as well as generous friends and family but more help is needed.
The sisters say they are both still traumatised by the shock way Garry died.
Carol, 46, said: "I think Garry would have been very proud of what we have done. We were a very close family, he was a real character, everyone knew Garry – that's why the fund has done so well. "
l The Garry Chappelow Memorial Fund will "christen" Headingley's new hospitality suite by holding a fundraising dinner on September 8.
For more information call Glen Davies on 0113 249 3938.
jo.rostron@ypn.co.uk