Dinnington says farewell to charity champion Shirley

Date: 18/05/2012. Story submitted by: Mark Baker

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Sheffield said its final goodbye to a true fighter this week.

Shirley Creasey had trained at the Falcon Fight Academy martial arts centre and had become a "mother" to many of the children who trained there. Shirley was in her 60's and passed away after a battle against cancer.

She was laid to rest in a ceremony which was attended by close family and very many friends.

Some of these friends had travelled many miles to show their last respects to a great friend. There was a massive turn out and St Leonard's Church was packed to the rafters.

There were a number of world champions in attendance. Many others who came to say goodbye were dressed in the black and gold of the academy she so loved.

Others were adorned in the red, white and blue representing the fact they had competed for their country. Many had been encouraged and helped by Shirley.

The hearse arrived and emotions took over some of the most fearless and tough men I have ever met. Young and old men who are known as true warriors paid homage to one of their own.

Shirley became a great friend and a massive motivation for some of the older people who also train or have trained at the gym in the past.

She always had a good word for everyone. Positive outlooks and a can do attitude were utmost when it came to Shirley and helping others.

I cannot count the number of charity events she took part in, just to help others. One of her favourite charities was Bluebell Wood Hospice.

Absailing, mountain climbing, canoeing, Eskimo rolling and sky diving were just some of the events she undertook to helps others.

As a mark of respect Shirley had previously been awarded the "Guardian Rose", an award which is awarded to people who have performed outstanding and caring duties. This an award befitting such a caring lady.

Shirley had been training towards achieving her goal of becoming a blackbelt at kickboxing.

When she first realised just how ill she had become, the comment she made to her instructor Cris Janson-Piers, was "I won't be able to get my black belt now."

Cris knew how much this meant to Shirley with the amount of effort she had put in over the years, and wasn't about to let that not happen.

He spoke with the BFKKO comittee and the agreed to give Shirley an honourary black belt. Cris made the presentation on the day before Shirley finally passed away. She did get her dream.

Cris read a very touching and emotional passage from the heart. This touched each and every person in attendance.

Afterwards Cris told me "I was proud and honoured to be asked to speak about Shirley and help to carry the coffin."

"I have one final rose for Shirley, from all of us, as a final thank you for all the joy you brought into all of our lives. In the very words we would hear from Shirley as she left our gym every night, 'night all'".

Shirley was due to partake in a kickboxing training camp in Lanzarote in a couple of weeks.

Her family have agreed to use the money Shirley had paid for the course to allow a young and upcoming fighter to take her place in Lanzarote. Shirley would have wanted this. As she always did, Shirley will give someone help to achieve their dream.

The Dinnington community, Falcon Fight Academy and many people young and old, have lost a friend, a motivator, an inspiration and a "mother".

God Bless, you will be missed, but remembered for ever.

Additional info

Address: Falcon Square Dinnington S25 2QU

Tags: Shirley Creasey, Bluebell Wood, Falcon Fight Academy, Sheffield, Charity