Founders Tony Farrar and Steve Cunningham had lost friends and relatives and recognised the negative impact of social, economic and physical inequalities on physical health and state of mind. They witnessed first hand how traditional interventions often resulted in some residents 'slipping through the net'.
With this is mind and during the wake of "Tracy Keates" funeral, they decided to use their capabilities to take action and create a sustainable solution, based around sport and activity, that would positively impact and change the community from the inside out. Tony and Steve were born and raised on the Adswood estate, Stockport - Steve eventually moving to Bridge Hall in 1993. Tony has a wealth of business experience, a large knowledge of public policy and a wide professional network. Steve is a strong Community Leader, with deep local relationships and over 20 years' experience as a sports coach.
THE ACE STORY
ACE was founded as a not-for-profit in 2019 to commemorate members of the Bridge Hall/Adswood community who had died as a result of taking their own lives due to poor mental health.
Tracy Keates 14th July 1970 - 11th June 2019
"From looking after me as a child (under duress) to my teenage years being shepherded by her on nights out to Monroes and Grand Central, and of course our annual family invasions of Cornwall. Tracy was always there, with her daft smirk, comical head and Flamingo stance. Whilst the impact of losing her was a huge shock and incredibly tough for me to comprehend and continues to be, it pales into insignificance in comparison to the loss felt by her children, grandchildren and life partner. Mark, Marcus, Becky, Aimee, Lauren, Riley, Darla, and Sophia.
Sorry you had to leave us, and every time I explain how A.C.E was formed you will be spoken of and remembered."
Tony Farrar
Shaun Thomson 18 November 1986 - 2 June 2018
"I saw Shaun grow from a boy into a man, I was proud to know him and also to be his football manager. His smile would light up a room, his chuckle we can all still hear. His loss had a real impact, not just on me, but the community as a whole.
The fundays we held in his honour will be forever in my heart as the reason A.C.E. was born. He should be proud of that, he helped us to pull a community together."
Steve Cunningham
