Burghfield memorial football tournament raises £2,000 for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading

A charity football tournament in Burghfield held in the memory of a man who died from cancer raised £2,000 for the hospice that took care of him in his final days.

The James Cup, named after 37-year-old James Sturgess, from Reading, who died in 2017, is an 11-a-side competition that takes place at the Burghfield Community Sports Association (BCSA) every August and sees many of his friends take part.

The sports fundraiser, which had its fifth edition in 2022, was set up by Mark Sturgess to celebrate the life of his younger brother and has raised more than £10,000 for the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading.

Mr Sturgess said: “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.

“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.”

Since his brother’s death, Mr Sturgess has dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the hospice and has so far raised more than £10,000 through a variety of challenges and activities which include running the London Marathon, running half marathons and organising the James Cup.

This year’s James Cup took place on Saturday, August 6, at BCSA.

He said: “James 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.”

Mr Sturgess also 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.

“Fundraising for the charity is 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.”

Community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice Georgie Thornton 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.”