Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation have announced that they have raised more than £28,500 to support their Wheelchair team’s fundraiser, following Friday night’s incredible ‘An Evening With’ event.
More than 140 guests joined the Foundation at the DIY Kitchens Stadium’s LED Studio Lounge for the fundraising event, with all proceeds raised supporting the purchase of new custom-made Rugby League Wheelchairs for their inspirational Wheelchair squad.
Former Super League referee Ian Smith was the evening’s compere, welcoming a range of guest speakers to the stage.
First up, coaching staff Daryl Powell, Ste Mills, Michael Shenton and Danny Kirmond previewed the upcoming 2026 Betfred Super League season and spoke about the values that connect the Men’s First-Team through to the Foundation’s three Inclusion sides.
Wakefield legends Ian Brooke and Terry Crook then discussed their new roles as Wheelchair team Ambassadors alongside Stewart Walker, one of several new additions to the squad.
Twice Man of Steel Paul Sculthorpe and Trinity Director of Wheelchair Rugby Jimmy Gittins were the final guest speakers, opening up about their incredible charitable fundraising challenges and respective playing careers.
The evening rounded out with a raffle and auction, before Wakefield Trinity Partners, 24/7 Concrete and Aggregates, made a substantial donation through the latter, an amount which was kindly matched by Club Owner, Matt Ellis.
The £28,594 raised for Wakefield's Wheelchair team smashes the £20,000 target set by the Foundation at the start of the year.
The Foundation is now in a position to procure up to 10 new Rugby League Wheelchairs, supporting their squad of players which has grown exponentially to a group of 20.
Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation Social & Inclusion Lead, Jack Pemberton, said: “First of all, I’d like to give my sincerest thanks to everyone that made Friday night such an unforgettable event and made such kind donations to our Wheelchair team fundraiser.
“I’d especially like to thank Steffie Vause and the entire team at 24/7 Concrete for their incredible generosity as well as Matt Ellis for his continued support of our Wheelchair team and the Inclusion offer at Wakefield Trinity.
“The amazing funds raised through our loyal community will make a massive difference to the Wheelchair squad, providing increased capacity in training sessions and supporting our ever-growing squad, which now stands at 20 players heading into the 2026 season.
“Furthermore, the purchase of new bespoke Rugby League Wheelchairs will allow the Social and Inclusion department to expand our Education and Community delivery, furthering the social impact of Wheelchair Rugby League within the Wakefield District and beyond.”
24/7 Concrete & Aggregates Director, Steffie Vause, said: “As a proud partner and big supporters of Wakefield Trinity, it was really important to ourselves to contribute towards the Wheelchair team and its fundraiser.
“Through our Operations Manager, Chrissy Syme, who plays for the Wheelchair team, we know how important it is to have the correct Wheelchair for the task in hand. We also understand just how expensive these Wheelchairs are, but are aware of how valuable it is to have the right equipment.
“It was amazing to be so involved on Friday night and bring the hype to the evening through our auction bid, which was kindly matched by Matt Ellis.”
Wakefield's Foundation would like to give a special thanks to the sponsors and partners that supported the evening including 24/7 Concrete, YPO, Yorkshire Property Services, Future Group (UK) Ltd, Farrar Bamforth, DC Roofing, Cunniff Design, Estabulo (Wakefield), Experience Community CIC and the Wakefield Trinity Past Players Association.
You can donate to the Wakefield Trinity Wheelchair fundraiser here.
