Energize is very sad to say that a former Trustee of ours, Steve Franks has recently passed away after contracting the Coronavirus.

Steve joined Energize shortly after we transitioned to charitable company status and was instrumental in shaping the organisation we have become. His extensive experience within the sport and physical activity sector included recently leading the development of Waterbabies, where he was CEO, to becoming a world leading aquatics franchise organisation.

Before working and travelling across the world Steve started his career locally in the leisure department at Wrekin Council where he credited David Parker as his inspiration.

Energize CEO Chris Child commented ‘for Steve to be prepared to share some of his time and expertise with a local Active Partnership tells you a lot about the kind of guy he was. And he didn’t just turn up, he was always contributing - helping us to shape the culture, guest speaking at our events and always mentoring and nurturing.’

This picture features Steve (extreme right) at one of the early Energize team building and planning events.

As has been said elsewhere Steve was one of life’s givers and we would like to say - Thanks Steve - you will always be remembered at Energize and much missed across the sport and physical activity sector. #legend