DEBBIE Charlton’s untimely death led to an outpouring of tributes from the rugby league community and beyond. Gary Tasker, who served Bradford Bulls as general manager for 18 years and gave Debbie her first break at Odsal, writes his own heartfelt eulogy.

BULLMANIA was really beginning to take off in 1997 after a crazy first season of Super League the previous year.

We were regularly getting 15,000 to 20,0000 crowds at Odsal and as a consequence we were attracting lots of media attention from television, radio and the printed press.

However, it became apparent that our off-field operation was struggling to cope with this surge in interest.

We clearly needed to bolster our management team if we were to capitalise on the on-field success.

One of the key roles we needed to fill was that of commercial manager – someone who could work with an ever-growing number of sponsors as well leading on hospitality and other commercial initiatives, managing a small dedicated team.

Debbie happened to be working for us indirectly at the time through an agency that was assisting us in our Wembley plans for that spring as we were due to play St Helens for the second consecutive year at Wembley.

This gave me an opportunity to have a good look at what she was capable of and judge whether she would be right for us at that time.

We did offer her the role and she grasped it with both hands.

Her fresh, vibrant approach ensured she made a positive impact in a short period of time.

She became a totally loyal and committed member of the team and left a positive impression of the organisation wherever she went.

Our sponsor retention was second to none and spoke volumes for the quality of customer service her and her team were providing.

She would squeeze the pips out of partner budgets but did it in such a way that they felt great doing it - a real skill!

Debbie also added value in many other ways, going above and beyond the call of duty on many occasions.

There are many players and their families who owe a massive debt of gratitude to her for the way she looked after them during their time at the club, especially when settling in after having to have relocated, quite often from the other side of the world!

The car would have petrol in it, the fridge would be full upon landing and all the other creature comforts that make such a difference were all in hand.

I really hope that her family and friends can take comfort from the fact that she had a fulfilling working life in sport.

She experienced many things that most people can only dream of as well as being valued by friends from all corners of the world - she certainly didn't spend her life preparing to live it!

The last time I saw her she attended a fundraising event that we as a family held for the Leeds General Infirmary children's heart surgery fund.

Typically, she turned up with an armful of raffle and auction prizes that helped us raise a tidy sum on the night!

Debbie will be sorely missed but many people will be holding fond memories of good fun and good times shared - God bless her.