HARRY Crank's devotion to helping others will live on through an organisation set up by his family and Woolston Rovers Rugby League Club in his memory.

The club's former president, renowned for his selfless acts, died on June 15, aged 79.

But his legacy will be the Harry Crank Foundation, which is being created to benefit 'the rugby league family' across the north west.

Warrington Wolves rising star Connor Wrench, a product of the Woolston junior section, will be an ambassador to the foundation.

Warrington Guardian: Connor Wrench touching down for Warrington Wolves. Picture: PAConnor Wrench touching down for Warrington Wolves. Picture: PA

Harry's loved ones have revealed that if a player was short of funds to buy some new boots, he would pay for them.

Or if a bus and fuel was needed for a team to travel for a match, the great grandfather from Orford would sort it.

He was recognised during his life for his community spirit and kindness, receiving awards for charity work with Birchwood and Warrington Lions as well as what he gave to the sport he loved.

Harry was also awarded the British Empire Medal for services to sport and charity in the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Warrington Guardian: Harold Crank, left, and fellow club loyal servant Warren Whalley when they received a standing ovation at an end-of-season presentation dinner after the dedicated green-and-gold duo were named joint winners of The Freddie Brookhouse Memorial Trophy for Clubmen of the Year.Harold Crank, left, and fellow club loyal servant Warren Whalley when they received a standing ovation at an end-of-season presentation dinner after the dedicated green-and-gold duo were named joint winners of The Freddie Brookhouse Memorial Trophy for Clubmen of the Year.

Now the selflessness will continue in his name long after his sad passing.

The aim is to provide training and playing gear or funding through the foundation for underprivileged kids across the north west to take part in the sport.

Fund-raising is taking place to establish the foundation, including a donation page and a bucket collection when Warrington Wolves play host to Salford Red Devils in Super League at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday.

And organisers are asking for parents whose children have outgrown their boots to hand them over to the foundation so that they can be passed on to disadvantaged families who can not afford to buy a new pair.

It says on the foundation's JustGiving page: "Following the incredibly sad passing of Woolston Rovers Rugby League Club president Harry Crank BEM, his family in conjunction with Woolston Rovers, will set up the Harry Crank Foundation that will help to provide kit, boots, equipment, or funding for families if so required. This will ensure that they can take part in our great game.

"Those of you who knew Harry, will be aware he was a very generous man and gave a large amount of his time to charity.

"By setting up the Foundation in his name it will enable his outstanding legacy to live on."

Former Rovers player and coach Harry was involved with the grassroots club on a voluntary basis from when it was established 63 years ago.

Warrington Guardian: Harry Crank as a player, stood far rightHarry Crank as a player, stood far right

You can help to raise £5,000 to get the foundation up and running by visiting justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hcf and making a donation. More than £1,300 has been raised so far.

The foundation's Facebook page, which includes details of how parents can pass on outgrown boots, can be found at facebook.com/theharrycrankfoundation/