Everyone at Rotherham United would like to wholeheartedly congratulate our club legend and Honorary Life President John Breckin on being recognised as the Rotherham Hospice’s first ever ambassador.
We are sure that we speak on behalf of everyone connected with the club when we say that we are incredibly proud of the work that John has done - and continues to do - for a charity that we know is so close to the hearts of so many people in the town and beyond.
We are therefore delighted to see John’s immense contribution to the Broom-based charity rewarded with the recognition of becoming their first ever ambassador and once again would like to reiterate how proud we are to have an individual like him so closely connected with our club.
John’s connection with the hospice is a deep one going back many, many years and was made particularly poignant after the Broom-based charity cared for his late wife Denise before her passing, whilst also supporting John and his young daughter Jess in their bereavement.
Proceeds from John's book, Breck: My Life In Football, were - and continue to be - donated to the Rotherham Hospice
The earliest stages of his fundraising efforts date back to 1990 when he was involved in arranging and playing in a charity match which helped the Rotherham Hospice get off the ground – and saw Sir Alex Ferguson play in an All Stars team, while local running hero Peter Elliott also took on a number of the Millers side of the era in a race!
Breck on one of the first Midnight Memory Walks
His other notable fundraisers include the founding of the Midnight Memory Walk, writing a book the proceeds from which have gone to the hospice, a number of charity cricket matches involving the Rotherham United first team – the most recent of which was this summer – and the ‘Give the Hospice a Hand’ day which saw Millers fans don red gloves for a unique event at last season’s home game against Shrewsbury.
Breck was the driving force behind the 'Give the Hospice a Hand' campaign which was incredibly successful at last season's game against Shrewsbury Town
Speaking after being officially ‘unveiled’ as an ambassador alongside the hospice’s Director of Income Generation & Communication Stephen King, Breck was bursting with pride but keen to express his thanks to the Millers fans and people of Rotherham for their support over many years.
“I’m incredibly honoured to have been recognised with this title at a place that holds such a special place in my heart,” John told www.themillers.co.uk.
“The Hospice means so much to me. They were there for me and my family, just as they are for all Rotherham families. It's an honour and I'll do whatever I can to keep this place going."
“I know that I have headed up a lot of the fundraising on behalf of Rotherham United but it is the fans who have earned this title as much as I have, by constantly supporting everything that we do – no matter how many times we ask.
“Our aim is to ensure that the Hospice is here for many, many more years to come and our efforts to raise money for this amazing charity will not stop here.
“As you can see in the photos, I wanted to make sure that the angels that are the nurses, canteen staff, cleaners and everybody else behind-the-scenes were recognised. Without them, this special place just couldn’t continue to do the amazing work that they do.
“I would once again like to thank the Chairman Tony Stewart for his constant support and also the Community Sports Trust team, who are so pivotal across so many charity ventures.”
The Rotherham Hospice's Director of Income Generation & Communication Stephen King was full of praise for John's immense contribution, spanning across many years, insisting that the charity felt it fitting to recognise him with this new title.
"John has done so much for Rotherham Hospice over the years," he reaffirmed.
"It's not enough to just say thank you for all his fundraising efforts."
"We wanted to recognise John's achievement and dedication by appointing him as ambassador for Rotherham Hospice. We are looking forward to flying the flag for Rotherham Hospice with John for years to come."
Breck is pictured with the Rotherham Hospice staff accepting his new title
The Rotherham Hospice is Registered Charity 700356, providing specialist care and support to families experiencing end-of-life illness. Rotherham Hospice receives around 50% of its funding from the government and needs to fundraise £3 million each year through charitable donations to ensure our vital services continue for the people of Rotherham and its surrounding villages. Rotherham Hospice provides care in the community, and at the Hospice in our 14-bed Inpatient Unit, as well as pre- and post-bereavement support. For more information about Rotherham Hospice, please visit www.rotherhamhospice.org.uk, email reception@rotherhamhospice.org.uk or call 01709 308 900."