Latest news with #KerryEvans
Leader Live
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrexham AFC's Kerry Evans releases book about her life
Many people will recognise Kerry Evans from the hugely-successful Welcome to Wrexham documentary. She has been the Disability Liaison Officer at Wrexham AFC for over a decade by now and has become a powerful force for change through that role. So much so, that a book all about her journey so far in life has been published. Kerry's autobiography 'Stronger Than You Think' will be available to buy from Amazon as of August 12. From surviving a near-fatal brain bleed to creating accessible spaces for fans and helping to transform the club she loves, Kerry's journey shows us that no matter what life throws our way, we are all stronger than we think. Speaking to The Leader, she says that conversations with her late nan and Wrexham AFC co-chairman Rob McElhenney ultimately convinced her to put her life onto pages. Kerry said: "The book came about as my late Nan used to say if I ever wrote a book no one would ever believe it to be true, because so much has happened in my life. "Then, at the first promotion from the National league I chatted to Rob McElhenny and said all I want to do in my role is inspire people and his reply was that I inspire hundreds of people including him. "Which then got me thinking if it was possible to write a book then my job would be fulfilled if just one person felt they too could achieve from being inspired by my story." The front cover of Kerry Evans' autobiography 'Stronger Than You Think'. (Image: Kerry Evans) Kerry added: "It then grew from there. I am so immensely proud now having it completed and seeing the front cover was a real wow moment, making it feel very real. "It's been a very long hard journey at times, but I really want to hopefully leave people with the belief, if I've been able to achieve, they too can achieve." The summary of Kerry's autobiography, published by BiteBack Publishing, reads; "Born with cerebral palsy, something she worked hard to overcome and forge ahead with her life, Kerry then suffered a bleed on the brain, which left her with no feeling on the right side nor the ability to walk. "Such a setback could have destroyed her. Initially, she lost confidence and felt worthless. But then Wrexham Football Club came into her life, and she was transformed. And then Hollywood came calling. TOP STORIES "As disability liaison officer at Wrexham, Kerry was one of only six staff members who worked at the club prior to the Hollywood takeover and is therefore uniquely qualified to speak about how life at the club has changed. "She has witnessed at first hand the incredible story of how two Hollywood stars fell in love with a small football club in north Wales and transformed not only the fortunes of the team but also those of the community surrounding it. "But this is not just the story of the Hollywood takeover at Wrexham – this is the story of how one woman's indomitable spirit enabled her to overcome adversity and spend her life helping others."
Leader Live
03-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Dementia in mind for new Chirk Court sensory garden
A vibrant sensory garden has officially opened at Chirk Court Nursing Home in Chirk, marking many months of dedicated planning, fundraising and hard work. The ribbon was cut by Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Tina Mannering, alongside disability liaison officer from Wrexham AFC, Kerry Evans. Residents, staff, families and members of the local community gathered to celebrate. Activities coordinator Nicola in the sensory garden with resident Les who is a keen gardener. Chirk Court's manager Jane Humphreys was the mastermind behind a new sensory garden, which has been designed with elderly residents and people living with dementia in mind. The garden provides a safe, stimulating outdoor environment, where nature, colour, scent, sound and texture combine to support wellbeing, memory, and relaxation. From accessible pathways, soothing wind chimes and running water to fragrant blooms, eye-catching features and raised beds ideal for wheelchair users; every element has been carefully considered to create a fully inclusive, relaxing space. Read more: Walking for Minnie - family's tribute at hospice's Midnight Walk The creation of Chirk Court's sensory garden was a team effort which involved extensive research, fundraising, and many hours of volunteering from both staff and residents. The result is a magnificent, multi-sensory experience, which is already having a positive impact. Residents and staff enjoy exploring the sensory garden which features raised beds and accessible pathways. The official opening of the garden was celebrated with excitement, as it was proudly unveiled to the local community. Kerry said: "It was a real honour to be asked along to open the new sensory garden, I was so impressed with the efforts that had gone into making it a safe, welcoming sanctuary for residents to enjoy. Read more: Pioneering Wrexham organisation hailed as blueprint for social care in Wales "For people living with dementia keeping their mind active and stimulated is so important and by having that wonderful new garden you have achieved that in abundance." Cllr Mannering added: "It was an absolute honour and privilege to jointly open such a beautiful, stunning sensory garden. Jane and the staff have worked wonders, along with the residents and families. Kerry Evans from Wrexham AFC (far right) along with Wrexham Mayor Cllr Tina Mannering visited to officially open the Chirk Court Sensory Garden. "There are native wildflower beds, beautiful colourful bedding plants. A lovely water feature and even raised vegetable, fruit and herb planters, which enable residents to be involved with planting and harvesting when ready. There is a mindful walkway with hand painted benches and twinkly lights; something for everyone to enjoy - especially the deer ornaments. A little piece of heaven!" Read more: Wrexham pupils learn about healthy eating amid Welsh Government proposals Jane said: "Today has been a wonderful celebration of what we can achieve when we work together. I am so grateful for all the hard work and effort that everyone has put in, to create this fabulous space. We've built something truly special for our community and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make this sensory garden a reality." Jane Humphreys - Manager at Chirk Court, Wrexham Mayor - Cllr Tina Mannering, Kerry Evans - Disability Liaison Officer, Wrexham AFC. Jane was also thanked Keep Wales Tidy, for community grants which have been a huge help with funding areas of the garden including the allotment. The sensory garden is open for residents, visitors and staff to enjoy daily. Nicola Hughes, activities coordinator at Chirk Court: "The garden brings normality, it's good for the mind, it's relaxing, and it brings back memories from life and childhood. It creates relationships, encourages residents to talk to each other and supports physical activities; it means a huge amount to everyone at Chirk Court."
