The remarkable thing Humphrey Ker has done for Wrexham away from the football club. Credit: Wrexham Miners Club
Humphrey Ker’s official role with Wrexham AFC might have ended, but his ties to the city stretch well beyond the football club, with his work for the Wrexham Miners Project providing perhaps the clearest example.
That connection was highlighted again this week when the Project confirmed Ker would continue as patron, despite stepping down from the Wrexham AFC and Foundation boards.
Their message that Ker had “given so much to Wrexham” was not simply about his time at the STōK Cae Ras. His backing of the Miners Rescue Station restoration has developed into one of his most visible contributions away from football.
Humphrey Ker took on important Wrexham role in 2023
Ker became the Project’s first lifelong patron in November 2023, around the 110th anniversary of the historic Miners Rescue Station.
The organisation is working to preserve Wrexham’s mining heritage while bringing the site back into wider community use. Ker’s involvement gave the Project a recognisable advocate at a time when interest in Wrexham was reaching audiences around the world.
It was not simply a case of lending his name to the cause. Ker promoted the Project publicly before taking on a fundraising challenge that delivered a substantial financial return.
Ker’s marathon effort helped raise more than £130,000
In September 2024, Ker committed to running the Manchester Marathon to support the Miners Project, despite being open about long-distance running hardly being his natural territory.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney each pledged £26,200, a nod to the 26.2-mile distance. Ker then completed the marathon in April 2025 and the campaign raised more than £130,000.
The money supported the Project’s plans for the Miners Rescue Station, including work connected to the Superintendent’s House. Just as importantly, Ker’s involvement put another spotlight on the charity and the work being carried out there.
Ker connection to Wrexham goes beyond football
Ker has spoken openly about developing an attachment to Wrexham beyond results on a Saturday afternoon. When his departure from the club was announced, he called representing Wrexham AFC and the wider town the “greatest honour” of his life.
Only days later, the Miners Project made it clear that leaving the football club would not end his relationship with them.
“@thehumphreyker has given so much to Wrexham, becoming a much-loved part of our city.
“We’re delighted he’ll continue as Patron of the Wrexham Miners Project. Thank you for believing in our vision, supporting our future and even running a marathon for us!”
Ker originally arrived in Wrexham because of football, but his relationship with the place grew beyond it. His continued work with the Miners Project now provides the clearest evidence that leaving the AFC board does not mean leaving Wrexham behind.
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