Lewes Hockey Club's season sets off on a high note with a charity event that brought together Lewes HC members with GB hockey stars, to support awareness of organ donation and commemorate the life of Tom Wilson.

Tom Wilson passed away in December 2015 following a tragic accident at his hockey club, Old Loughtonians. Tom had built a number of close friendships with several Lewes club players throughout his time at university. It was during his studies that, unbeknown to those closest to him, Tom signed up to be an organ donor. Tom's decision subsequently saved and improved up to 50 people’s lives. From this final selfless act, Tom not only helped those in need but became part of the nationwide discussion on the importance of organ donation.

It was a fitting tribute to Tom to see players old and new come together with Tom's family at Lewes Hockey Club on Saturday 1st September 2018. The event raised money for the Tom Wilson memorial fund and raised awareness for the UK’s Organ Donor Register, coinciding with the start of the UK's Organ Donation week.

England Hockey stars James Albery, Robbie Gleeson and Chris Proctor kicked off the day with a coaching session, sharing their skills with Lewes’ junior players. Building on another successful year of Back to Hockey at Lewes, a mixed 6-a-side tournament saw 5 teams braving the sun in a tightly contested competition. Lewes Ladies' new 1st XI squad then took the stage, making a strong start to their season in a friendly against Burnt Ash which saw Lewes emerge worthy 5-3 winners.

The three GB players returned to the pitch to put the Lewes Mens' 1st XI through their paces as part of a Tom Wilson Memorial XI. A lively, well-contested game saw Lewes take a 3-1 lead into the second half thanks to some disciplined defending and tidy attacking. Spurred on by their GB contingent the visitors gained the ascendancy in the final quarter and fought back to finish the game on a nail-biting 4-4 draw, equalising in the final minutes of the game.

A raffle and BBQ finished off a glorious day of hockey at the Southdown club. Over £1200 was raised on the day. Special thanks to James, Robbie and Chris for putting together an engaging coaching session for the juniors, to all visitors for their generous donations, to the Cafe Lazzati team for the wonderful food, and, in particular, to the Wilson family for providing such an inspirational start to the season.

Organ donation awareness week starts on Monday 3rd September. You can register as an donor here.