TEAMS turned out in droves for a charity football tournament held in Burghfield last month.
The James Cup is an 11-a-side contest held in memory of Reading man James Sturgess, who died in 2017.
Organised by his brother Mark, players raised funds for the Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst, which supported James during his final days.
“James was always very sporty and active so it was a real shock for all of us when he was diagnosed with cancer in his spine at the age of 25,” said the 37-year-old big brother.
“He had to have a big operation and needed a lot of rehab to be able to use his legs again, but sadly after three years the cancer returned and he was referred to Sue Ryder.
“After initially receiving care from Sue Ryder Nurses at home, he spent his last week at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, where they really couldn’t do enough for him.
“He was such a young person to be in that situation, but they always treated him with such dignity and respect.”
After James’ death Mark dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the hospice in his memory and has far raised more than £10,000 through a variety of challenges and activities including running the London Marathon, half marathons and the football competition.
“James loved football – he used to play for Atletico Reading – and so I knew that organising a charity football tournament would be a particularly fitting way to pay tribute to him,” explained Mark.
Since the first Cup in 2017, the event has continued to grow in popularity. This year’s event – on Saturday, August 6, at Burghfield Community Sports Association – raised £2,000.
Mark said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to the BCSA for helping with the venue and to all the businesses that helped with the raffle prizes – this year was the biggest and best so far.
“But I couldn’t do it without my amazing close family and friends, as well as the fundraising team at Sue Ryder, who help so much.
“I am already making plans for next year’s tournament.”
He said that fundraising for Sue Ryder was ‘a privilege’.
“As well as raising very important funds for the hospice and making people aware of the work they do for people of all ages, it also keeps my brother’s memory alive and lets people know what an incredible person he was,” he explained.
Georgia Thornton, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to Mark for everything he has done, and continues to do, for our hospice in memory of James.
“Every pound raised makes a difference and helps us to continue to be there when it matters for people going through the most difficult times of their lives.”
For more information about Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, visit: sueryder.org/duchessofkent
