Stephen Oleksewycz, a former footballer who used an event featuring Conor McGregor to scam companies out of tens of thousands, has shared his story of prison redemption and his newfound goal of raising money for charity. Despite his past mistakes, Oleksewycz is determined to turn his life around and make a positive impact on the world.
The Scam and Prison Sentence
Oleksewycz, 41, who used to play for Halifax Town, found himself in hot water after failing to pay two companies for a 2017 event he had set up featuring McGregor. The event organizers were left waiting for payment just 24 hours before 5,000 fans were set to attend a live show in Manchester. It was later revealed that Oleksewycz had been operating a company while bankrupt, making his actions illegal.
During his trial, it was described how Oleksewycz, a self-proclaimed Walter Mitty character, managed to evade the law for years before his lies caught up with him. He admitted to using McGregor’s name for the fraud out of desperation, but emphasized that no individuals or members of the public were directly affected by his actions, only commercial businesses.
Despite expecting a suspended sentence or community order, Oleksewycz was sentenced to 27 months in jail last August. He described his time in prison as “hell on earth” and a challenging experience that he never expected to face. However, after serving his sentence and being released in March, he is now focused on rebuilding his life and making amends for his past mistakes.
A New Beginning: Charity Fundraising
Now determined to give back to the world, Oleksewycz is working on raising money for charity through a series of fundraising challenges. One of his upcoming challenges involves climbing the tallest peaks across the UK multiple times, equivalent to scaling Mount Everest three times. This ambitious endeavor is part of his efforts to support the Naomi Gough Foundation, a charity established to help families who have lost children in road traffic accidents.
Oleksewycz’s connection to the foundation is personal, as he knew Naomi Gough from a young age and witnessed the devastating impact of her tragic passing. He has pledged to take on this challenge to honor her memory and provide support to her family and the charity they established.
In addition to his fundraising efforts, Oleksewycz hopes to inspire others who may have faced adversity or challenges in their lives. He believes that it is possible to overcome past mistakes and move forward in a positive direction, no matter what obstacles may arise. Through his actions, he aims to show that life doesn’t end when faced with setbacks, and that there is always an opportunity for redemption and growth.
Looking Towards the Future
As he prepares for his fundraising challenge, Oleksewycz is encouraging others to support his cause and contribute to the Naomi Gough Foundation. He has set up a JustGiving page for donations, with all funds going directly to the charity to benefit those in need. By sharing his story and engaging in charitable efforts, Oleksewycz is determined to make a positive impact and show that it is never too late to make a difference in the world.
In conclusion, Stephen Oleksewycz’s journey from scammer to fundraiser is a testament to the power of redemption and second chances. Despite his past mistakes, he is committed to making a positive impact and giving back to those in need. Through his fundraising efforts and personal growth, he hopes to inspire others to overcome adversity and strive for a better future.