Wolves star Tyrone's mission to Africa (From Warrington Guardian)

Wolves star Tyrone's mission to Africa

10:20am Thursday 27th December 2012 in News

WOLVES star Tyrone McCarthy has spent in a week teaching rugby league to deprived children in Gambia.

The second row wanted to experience coaching the sport in a country, and with children, who knew nothing about it.

He said: “Because of the conditions we couldn’t do full-on tackles because they were playing on concrete.

“The main idea was to give something to the community that everyone could get involved with.

“It seemed to take off - it was something they had never seen before.”

“The day before we were quite apprehensive but it couldn’t have gone any better.”

The trip to the village of Gunjur was organised by Groups Involved in Voluntary Educational Experiences.

As well as teaching rugby, Tyrone, girlfriend Helen Loma and eight volunteers helped repair doors and windows of a compound to protect a family from mosquitoes carrying malaria.

“That will hopefully help to prevent malaria and the repairs cost £210,” he said.

“It just shows how so little can go such a long way.”

Fundraisers held in Warrington before the trip, including a £1500 donation from the Irish Club on Orford Lane and a £300 donation from the ABC 123 Nursery on Warrington Business Park, will aid community work in Gunjur.

Four people will be employed teaching sport in the village, while eight children will be sponsored through school, and nursery places will also be provided for 10 children.

Tyrone, who hopes to return to Gambia next year, said the aid work is something he will never forget.

“The biggest thing for me was how appreciative the families and children are, not giving them materials but for giving your time and sitting and talking to them,” he said.

“What they are after is an opportunity, they are all willing to learn.

“It costs £120 to send a child to school, but we saw lots of children out of school because they can’t afford it.

“We are in a culture where you get support and it really makes you think about the bigger things in life.”