More tragedy for Wrens
19th October, 2016
Just five days after losing vice-chairman Kim Wright to cancer, Rainworth Miners Welfare and Kim's family have been dealt a further blow with the death of his mother Eileen who has succumbed to the same disease.
Eileen, aged 81, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday morning without ever knowing that her son had gone on before her.
The widow of the late Alan Wright, Eileen's association with the club had lasted throughout her adult life, supporting Alan in his days as Rainworth's goalkeeper and then, following his retirement from playing, maintaining that support when her husband decided to 'put something back' into the club.
The couple's greatest joy in footballing terms was in season 1981-82 when, in his first season s club secretary, Alan masterminded the administration of the Wrens' magical run to Wembley in the FA Vase, which included a home semi-final attendance of 5,071, still a competition record.
Following Alan's death in 2002 Eileen continued her association with the club, as it rose through the ranks from the Notts Alliance to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, and also took part in many other activities, notably her Sunday morning walks which continued right into the early months of the current year.
She took over the role of hospitality hostess in 2010, a major factor in making the club highly regarded in the Evo-Stik League, and on home match days could also be found selling golden goal tickets as supporters came through the gates. And she was a leading light in maintaining the ground and facilities to a high order during the close season.
Each year since Alan's death Eileen had made it her business to sponsor the club's first home FA Vase match, or during the five years of Evo-Stik League membership, the first home FA Trophy tie.
She took ill towards the end of last season, and although she deteriorated during the close season and was unable to return to the ground, her interest was maintained as she always wanted to know the club's results and how they had played after each match. Her passing marks the end of a long family dynasty at Rainworth Miners Welfare Football Club.
As with Kim, Eileen's funeral details will be released as and when they are known.
(Story Source: Rainworth Miners Welfare)
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