Len Richardson

Born: January 9, 1948;

Died: August 29, 2024

Len Richardson, who has died aged 76, was a community activist who co-founded and chaired a groundbreaking club to widen grassroots participation in sport by the disabled.

Len was one of the original founders of the East Kilbride Youth Disability Sports Club and as chair, led its growth and development over 25 years. The club provides a much- needed service that would otherwise not exist, working with young adults, their families and carers to deliver an arguably unique multi-sports model.

Back in 1999, Len was one of a small group of parents of teenagers with additional support needs who were determined their sons and daughters should not lose out on personal development opportunities after leaving school or college. This determination led to the creation of EKYDSC and the start of a 25-year mission to improve the lives of vulnerable young adults in East Kilbride and its surrounding areas.

Entirely volunteer run and self-financed, the club promotes twice-weekly participation in sport and recreational activities for young people with additional support needs, including learning disabilities.

There is no doubt that Len’s legendary determined streak was a major factor in getting the club off the ground and it remained a potent force throughout his tenure as chair. He combined a resolute focus on getting things done with a caring, compassionate, inclusive approach, endearing him to members, their families and carers.

The son of a carpenter, Len was born in 1948 and raised in the steel town of Consett, County Durham. He proved to be an able student and after completing his secondary education, he became the first person in his family to go to university, attending The University of Salford in Manchester, where he graduated with a degree in engineering metallurgy.

After completing a master’s degree at The University of Aston in Birmingham, Len moved to Scotland in the mid-1970s, where he spent the rest of his professional career, working initially for Motherwell Bridge, where he rose through the ranks to become proposals manager, working on many of the company’s largest contracts.

During his early years in the west of Scotland, he met Janice Moore, who also worked at Motherwell Bridge. It was a perfect match and they married in 1977.

Not long after the wedding, Len was offered the opportunity to work on a major contract in Abu Dhabi and the couple spent three years living there. Returning to Scotland, the couple settled in Strathaven, their beloved home for the next 44 years. Their eldest son, Mark arrived in 1982 and then Neil was born in 1987.

After more than 25 years at Motherwell Bridge, he moved to Veolia’s specialised upstream oil and gas office in East Kilbride in 2003 where he worked as a tender manager until retirement.

From the inception of the club in 1999, Len led it with an absolute focus on inclusivity, developing its multi-sports model to offer a broad appeal, providing something for everyone. In a typical year, club members get the opportunity to try out 25 different sports, all delivered by professionally qualified coaches in each discipline.

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Len always believed that club was much more than a sports club and the measurement of its success went beyond the number of trophies and medals won by members. Rather, the most telling achievements were the tangible social benefits: nurturing health and well-being, encouraging socialisation, promoting personal development, building self-esteem and resilience, as well as lifelong friendships.

Under Len’s leadership, the club’s achievements have been recognised by more than 20 awards from official bodies. He was especially proud that, in 2017, South Lanarkshire Disability Sport presented the club with the Outstanding Contribution to Disability Sport award.

A special mission close to Len’s heart every year was to raise funds for the club’s annual residential weekend at the Lochgoilhead Outdoor Activity Centre. He believed that this event epitomised the ethos of EKYDSC, with members sampling the likes of watersports, archery and abseiling in some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, building confidence, broadening horizons and creating treasured memories.

As well as chairing the club, he was a keen golfer, played piano and followed Newcastle United FC.

A tribute from the club said, “Everyone at EKYDSC is devastated by the loss of Len. He has selflessly devoted the last 25 years of his life to our club, with a total focus on creating opportunities and improving lives in the community. His legacy has delivered the strongest of foundations for EKYDSC and the inspiration for us to take the club forward with confidence.”

Len is survived by his wife Janice, sons Mark and Neil, daughter in law Nicola, grandchildren Alba and Luuk, brother David and sister Carol.