Ralph Backhouse sent a letter and donation to Garforth Town shortly before passing away earlier this year
Even in his last days, Garforth Town was at the forefront of “perfect supporter” Ralph Backhouse’s mind.
An emotive letter to the club’s owners Brian Close and Craig Bannister detailed his love for the Miners and how it was a big part of his life, received just a week before his death. There was also a donation to the club’s funds.
The letter and donation brought a tear to their eyes, just like his shock passing after a short illness did in February.
“No, we weren’t expecting it,” Garforth chairman Close says as he reflects, sat in the wonderful main stand at the J.S White Community Stadium which will host a Memorial Cup game in memory of Ralph on Bank Holiday Sunday.
“He missed a couple of game towards Christmas because of back trouble, which obviously turned out to be more serious. Myself and Craig (Bannister) then received a letter in early January from him which explained that he was ill.
“It was fairly long and he wrote about various matters relating to the club. As always with Ralph, it was very positive.
“He also made a donation. The letter and donation knocked us for six, but it shows just how much the club meant to Ralph. Even when he was seriously ill, the club was still in his thoughts.
“He said in the letter that being ill and having to miss matches had made him realise just how much the club meant to him and how important it was to his life.”
Ralph in his younger days
Ralph Backhouse
Ralph’s passing shocked the Garforth community as he was a well-known figure. Over 100 people attended his funeral at St. Mary’s Church.
He had a big background in football and he played for many local teams in his younger days. His support of Garforth Town went back a few decades and he was an avid follower. He watched home and away matches – unless he was in Wales visiting relatives.
“Ralph was the perfect supporter,” Close says.
“Even when he could be negative, he wasn’t. He was always positive and always supportive of anything the club did.
“He would turn up for matches, events, anything related to the club. He would even help me put the kit out at away matches. When he passed away, it was a massive shock and it has taken the club a long time to get over it.
“His passing came at a time when the club had hit rock bottom. Results had deteriorated because of well-publicised events and we were really struggling.
“How we finished the season epitomised everything Ralph was about though. Although we did not always get the results we wanted, every player gave over 100% in every single game.
“Ralph won’t be forgotten and the player who gets the most man of the match awards in a season will win the Ralph Backhouse award. Jassim Alali won it at the end of last season which was fitting as he was the player that Ralph sponsored.”
This Sunday sees a Garforth Town Legends side take on local side Bird in Hand to raise money for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal.
Players such as Brett Renshaw, Darren Kelly, Lee Connor, Jamie Price, Andy Rowan, Duncan Bray, Ben Hunter, Nick Black, Milton Turner and Jassim Alali are turning out to play for Ralph. There are others who have yet to be revealed, but will be in the run-up to Sunday.
“The response has been fantastic,” Close added.
“Most players who have spent a bit of time with the club will remember Ralph because he regularly talked to them. I really hope we get a massive turnout and raise lots of money because Ralph deserves it. I am sure it will be an emotional afternoon too.
“James Grayson has done very well in gathering the (Garforth Legends) squad. I know he has spoken to a lot of players, including a few who would have played, but are on holiday on the day of the game.
“I just hope he doesn’t hand me his phone bill.”
Kick off is at 2pm on Sunday and admission is £3. All proceeds go to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal.