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Future of Tim's Norwich youth work vision is secured 

The future of the visionary work of Christian young people’s champion Tim Stapleford at the Jenny Lind Park in Norwich has been secured. Keith Morris reports.

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Tim (55) passed away on June 22 after a brave year-long battle against neuro-endochrine cancer and a packed memorial service was held on July 28 at Holy Trinity church in Norwich, where Tim worshipped for many years with wife Sue.

Tim was a former deputy head teacher in 

Attleborough and founder of the Norfolk Christian Football Youth League.

Working with Holy Trinity church and others, Tim also organized football sessions for young people at the Jenny Lind Park and spearheaded the work of converting the old Post Office in Vauxhall Street into a community hub.

Enough money has now been raised, including donations of £4,592 at and following Tim’s memorial service, to cover the costs of renting and managing the property through to the end of the lease in February 2018.     

A management committee has been formed to take forward the work and Biddy Collyer, chairman of the Christian Community Trust for Norwich and Norfolk who hold the lease, said: “Young people already enjoy the opportunity to play board games there after the football on the park on Tuesdays.

HTfootballCF"The vision is that other groups will be able to hire it for sessions during the week and provide other opportunities for outreach into the community.

“Over the next few months, the management committee will be working towards charitable status and Sue, Tim’s widow, has agreed to be a trustee once it is formed.”

Sue said: “I am delighted that Tim's work is to continue, it would have been a tragedy if it had stopped. This work was Tim's calling. He saw himself as someone who started things, and always intended to step back once the project was established, handing on the reins to someone else. I'm particularly pleased that our daughter Gemma is involved in the weekly sessions: Tim was proud of all our children, but took a special pleasure in seeing her share his vision.”

Read our tribute to Tim Stapleford

Pictured top are Tim and Sue Stapleford and, above the project at the Jenny Lind Park.