How Sheffield Steelers are keeping Amy Usher's memory alive

Amy, 22, of Willow Road, Wath Upon Dearne died from a rare form of throat cancer in March, 2015.

She is rarely far from the thoughts of many Steeler fans who grew to love her at the Arena, as she battled the illness yet still cheered her team on.

The club has played a massive part in raising £45,000 so far for Weston Park hospital, where she was treated.

And club mascot Steeler Dan will be one of several Steelers representatives at Graves Park for the annual ‘Run in the Park’ on July 10.

(If you want to support Steeler Dan go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Steeler-Dan - also you can sign up at www.runinthepark.org.uk)

Amy’s mum Angela said: “ Since Amy’s diagnosis, the staff, players and fans at Steelers have been truly incredible and during her final year they did everything they could, and more, to make her smile.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to them all for everything they did for Amy and all the money they raised in support of her cancer fight.

“It’s lovely to see that Amy’s memory will live on through her favourite ice hockey team and that money will keep being raised for Weston Park Charity to help others fighting cancer- which is exactly what Amy wished for.”

“Steelers gave her something to focus on other than her diagnosis and pain, even throughout her final months and this made a big difference.

“I’ll be joining Steeler Dan at the charity’s Run in the Park this year to help raise more money for the new ‘For Amy’ fund in memory of my beautiful daughter who is so desperately missed every single day.”

Steelers charity involvement started with ice bucket challenges in 2014, undertaken by players, fans and Amy’s sister Beth.

Fund raising efforts included sky-dives, bake sales, donation-per-goals, weight-loss events and walks including a Birmingham to Sheffield session.

Weston Park Cancer Charity Director, Samantha Kennedy said, “The charity is incredibly grateful to Amy’s family for their continued support and also to the Sheffield Steelers for being instrumental in raising such impressive amounts over the last two years.”

“The ‘For Amy’ fund will enable people to remember Amy in their own way and donate to specific projects which will help improve the lives of those fighting cancer today and in the future.

“Despite her own diagnosis, Amy thought only of others, and through this fund, we hope that other patients and families will see the benefits through difficult times.”