Wigan Warriors have officially opened The Terry Newton Community Garden at their Robin Park Arena training base.
The garden is dedicated to the memory of Terry Newton, former Warriors star, and is designed as a “safe haven” for players, staff, supporters, and the wider public.
It was launched on World Suicide Prevention Day with the goal of creating a meaningful way to promote mental health awareness.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BNAS2zeqk7c
Terry Newton was just 31 years old when he tragically took his own life in 2010. His death sent shockwaves through the rugby league world and he left behind his wife Stacey and their two young daughters.
Warriors Chief Executive Kris Radlinski, who played alongside Terry, said the project is deeply personal for the club.
He explained that while Terry was known as a huge character with a big heart, the tragedy of his death shows just how vital it is to keep conversations around mental health open. Kris said the club has a duty, for Terry and for the town, to tackle mental health head on.
A standout feature of the garden is the Wall of Hope, where players and staff have started leaving messages.
During September, members of the public are invited to add their own contributions, encouraging a sense of shared purpose and community solidarity.
Wigan Warriors say the garden will be open and accessible, ensuring it’s more than just a memorial: it’s a resource for change, awareness, and connection.
It also highlights the wider issue of suicide in Wigan, particularly among men, and the importance of mental health support in the community.
“Hearing that suicide rates in our town were among the highest in the country was devastating for me personally and for the club. As a cornerstone of our community, we had both the responsibility and the duty to act.”
Kris Radlinski, Wigan Warriors CEO
Stacey Newton, (Terry’s wife) and Tony Newton, (his dad) visited the garden on the day it was unveiled, and both said it was bittersweet.
Tony told us “It’s beautiful what they’ve done, a real credit to the club, and an honour for Terry. It’s a sad day of course, but it would have been even sadder if Wigan didn’t remember him.
“Hopefully he’s left a bit of a legacy and saved a few lives”.
Stacey told us it was an emotional day: “it’s nice to see what they’ve done for Terry, particularly for our girls, as they were really young when it happened, and this is really beautiful. I do miss him, I miss him loads.”
A personal reflection
For me, this stirs up powerful memories. I was working at Wish FM the weekend the news broke, and I can still remember the shock of it, even now. Just a few weeks earlier Terry had been into the station to talk about his book.
Although he was this big, tough rugby player, there was something about him that felt small, vulnerable almost — and sadly we now understand why.
Also, reporting on his funeral is something I’ll never forget.
The town centre came to a complete standstill. Standing room only in the Parish church with hundreds more gathered outside. And, as his coffin was carried out, “Shout to the Top” was played. I’ll never forget that.
The new garden ensures Terry’s legacy lives on, while also giving people in Wigan a place to talk, remember, and support one another. It’s a space that honours not only a much-loved player, but also the importance of protecting mental health in our community.
The Terry Newton Community Garden is now open at Robin Park Arena, and everyone is welcome to visit, reflect, and add their messages to the Wall of Hope.
If you have a story or want to shout about someone please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
📧 Email us:
hello@whatshappeninginwigan.co.uk
📲 Follow us:
