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Tom's fund helps thousands of people
Four years ago when 21-year-old Tom McGonigal died his family was shaken to the core.
But now they have taken the pain and turned it into something positive, by continuing the young cricketer's legacy in a trust fund for underprivileged young people.
The charity, which is called the Tom McGonigal Trust Fund, holds annual events and supporters take part in regular charity fundraisers.
Since it was set up the fund has raised thousands of pounds for children's charities and causes ranging from huge national charities to local children with disabilities.
Reporter Laura Hammond had a look into how the charity has grown over the years and what the future holds for it.
It will be four years next week since the McGonigal family was rocked by the sudden death of 21-year-old Tom.
The lives of mum Sue, dad Paul, and siblings Ben, Sarah and Simon were devastated when popular cricketer Tom suffered a fatal aneurysm at his home in Royston Drive, in 2006.
But from the pain of their loss , the family managed to make something positive through setting up a charity in his memory – The Tom McGonigal Trust Fund.
Inspired by his love of sport and enthusiasm for seeing young people succeed, the fund aims to support underprivileged children to reach their full potential.
Years on, thousands of young people have benefited from the Tom McGonigal Trust Fund.
Tom's mum Sue said: "People thought so much of Tom and they have been so kind.
"I think they think of it as Belper's fund instead of just Tom's fund now."
Sue and the rest of the family decided to set up the fund after receiving an overwhelming amount of donations at Tom's funeral.
Four years on it has now raised more than 80,000 for various children's charities and causes, ranging from the Derbyshire Children's
Holiday Home, to the local 1st Alton Manor Scout Group.
Sue said she wanted to support the group to give something back to the community which has been so generous.
Recently the trust donated almost 600 to a young man who is paraplegic who had been saving money to go on holiday.
Last year, it gave 2,000 to Ripley lad Edward Bright who lost all his limbs to meningitis, and the same amount to Lewis Mighty, a young boy from Derby who is suffering from a rare form of cancer.
The charity has been supported by an army of helpers since day one, with many of Tom's friends and family members taking part in fundraising activities.
Nineteen people are representing the charity in the Great North Run.
Sue added: "Everyone has been so marvellous.
"So many people still help. The support is still as strong as it ever was.
"The people that have supported me constantly are still there.
"The first year or two I felt so low I needed immense amounts of help to be able to tackle it. Everyone was great. Now I think we're definitely getting there with it."
Local people and organisations have taken the cause to their hearts in the years since Tom's tragic death. Many charity events are held to
raise money for the trust. Recently darts legend Bobby George stepped up the oche to raise funds.
Belper Meadows Cricket Club, where Tom used to play and coach, will host a weekend of events which have become a fixture for the trust over the years.
The Tinsel Band Super Star show, which features cover acts including Elvis and Blondie, will take place at the club on Saturday, September 18.
The evening before that, a young bands night will take place at the venue,
On Sunday, September 19, two runs will take place to raise money for the charity. One is a five-kilometre family fun run and the other a ten-kilometre run, for those who like a challenge.
In the years since this weekend of events has been running, it has gained the support of high-profile figures Nigel Clough, the current manager of Derby County, and former player and manager Roy McFarland.
To take part in the run, or for more information on the Tom McGonigal Trust Fund, contact Sue on 01773 826039 or 07977 892971.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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