My name is Gemma, and I’m the daughter of Stephen Wardle.

It is with one of the most broken of hearts that I write to you to ask for support. As of 20 September 2025, Dad died unexpectedly at home.

Steve brought such joy into the world and he would do everything with true passion and love for his family. His passing has left an irreplaceable void into my life but particular for his wife, my mother, Denise.

Along with his passing, it is with such grief and sorrow that Mum has terminal cancer and a short life expectancy and as a family we are nearing the 10th anniversary of the death of son and brother Alex Wardle, who died aged 23 of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.

I’m reaching out during one of the most difficult times in my life, as I try to arrange my dad’s funeral, support mum’s care and endeavour to keep an optimistic outlook on life.

Steve, Topper, however you knew him, had so much love for everyone he met. He had a vast and loyal circle of friends. From rugby to railways to Freemasonry, Dad carried each of us with a unique kind of presence.

Since his passing, I’ve had so many people say they were only just talking to him days or mere hours before his death. He never did anything by half measures and I just hope he’s proud of the little bit of difference I’m trying to make in the world.

Dad worked with such passion and love over the past 10 years to support communities, sports teams and families with defibrillators. Through the Alex Wardle Foundation, we have supplied countless defibrillators across the UK, raised awareness of cardiac conditions in young people and overarchingly been a true advocate of hope in times of despair. His charitable efforts will long live through his legacy.

He was a magnificent dad. He would cut my sandwiches into squares for schools, be in awe of such motivation I had to succeed and this year, I think he was giving me three months until I became the CEO of the Royal Navy. Truthfully, he taught me this. To be brave, stand proud and it’s fine if you need a little cry on the way.

I’ve set up this fundraiser to help cover the cost’s of Steve’s funeral as well as the additional fallout from his untimely passing. Many family and friends have already expressed their wish to offer support, so we felt a GoFundMe page would be a simple way to bring those generous offers into one place.

Thank you for reading and I would like to thank you for your support in anyway you can.

Live to the fullest, laugh the hardest and love always. From Gemma.