Guest post from David; manager at our Wisbech store, still waiting on a call from England F.A.
I recently decided to arrange a game of football in memory of a work colleague, Jon Foley, who passed away unexpectedly last year. A few years ago we’d first started an annual match between our depot team versus the shop staff; in the inaugural match the depot team had won so a rematch was on the cards and the “Jon Foley Memorial Trophy” was borne.
Jon had been a supporter of Marie Curie Cancer Care and that became our chosen charity. We got in touch with Jon’s daughters to make them aware of the idea and were very pleased to support the day and present the winning team with the trophy.
The depot team consisted of the install team based at Kings Lynn and the shop staff were selected from the pool of ‘elite athletes’ from our Wisbech, Hunstanton, Kings Lynn, Ely and Swaffham shops. Everyone donated to play and we had sponsorship forms in the shops for donations from our local customers, many of whom had known Jon personally and professionally. On the big day,May bank holiday Monday, after much limbering up (chatting and stretching), the teams took to the pitch. We are grateful for the use of the facilities at Ingoldisthorpe Playing Field where onlookers were treated to some dazzling football! It was (mostly) real end to end stuff, with some amazing displays of speed and athleticism (and lots of puffing and panting). We were cheered on by friends, family, customers and some of those closest to Jon and it felt like a small celebration of his life.
At the final whistle (which heralded some players laying down) the shop team had won, 10 -4! However, after collating all the sponsorship, donations and proceeds from a raffle on the day, the real winner was Marie Curie Cancer Care who we have presented with a cheque for £1000! Marie Curie Cancer Care support people living with any terminal illness, and their families. They offer expert care, guidance and support to help them get the most from the time they have left and provide care and support for more than 40,000 terminally ill people and their families in the UK each year.
My legs have now recovered and at my age, I must slow down and take it easy!
Pictured above is the cheque presentation with Jon’s daughters, Laurette (left of me) and Sian (on my right).
Thank you to everyone who supported us, donated, played or cheered us on – we’re all extremely grateful.
