Tributes have been paid to a 'giant of a man' who dedicated his life to giving the children of Salford a special getaway. Paul Gregory Blain sadly died on Monday (September 7).
From Ordsall, Blain was the vice chairman of the Salford Children's Holiday Camp, affectionately known as the 'Jam Butty Camp'. The group was responsible for taking several impoverished Salford youths on trips to a holiday camp in Prestatyn, Wales.
Scheme running since 1926
The scheme has been in operation since 1926, giving thousands of young people respite from inner city life. A funeral service for Paul will be held at Agecroft Crematorium on Friday (October 9).
Chairman Nick Abbott stated: "Ordsall and Salford have lost a giant of a man. One of the kindest, caring and loyal friends you could ever wish for. My heart aches for Kerry, his wife, and their children and grandchildren.
“Paul was the inspiration behind Salford by the Sea – Salford Children’s Holiday Camp. It was Paul that did the hard yards – managing the day to day running of the camp and also sharing memories with his “Throwback Thursday” photographs across Facebook which he was so proud of.
“We shared many laughs along the way, and his family should be so proud of the difference he has made to so many young lives in Salford.
Camp redevelopment named after Paul
Trustees have agreed that the first proposed redevelopment of the North Welsh camp will be dedicated to and named after Paul for his commitment to the group.
Paul, alongside his work for the camp, was the main carer for his son over the years, was the coach for Winton Wanderers under 18’s “Ospreys” football team and was a dedicated Manchester United fan.
Colleagues at Winton Wanderers added: "Paul had been a huge part of the club for many years, giving countless hours of his time to his players, our families and the wider community.
"He was more than a coach – he was a friend, a mentor and someone who genuinely cared about the people around him.
“Paul was the absolute epitome of giving back. He gave his time freely, cared deeply about his community and made a difference to the lives of so many people.
"Our thoughts are with Paul’s family, friends, his Ospreys players and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him during what is an incredibly difficult time.
“Paul will leave an enormous hole in Winton Wanderers and the wider Salford community, but the impact he made and the memories he created will never be forgotten."
