ON Saturday 5th September hundreds of fundraisers came together for a charity hockey tournament to raise money for Jacks Journey, with the proceeds being split between Anthony Nolan, Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Neptune Ward at Southend Hospital. Crowds turned out for the fundraising tournament for two year old, Jack Kleinberg. Jack is battling against two life-limiting conditions – familial Mediterranean fever and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, which affects one in 10 million children and means he has to live in virtual isolation. Moved by his plight Thurrock Hockey Club hosted the charity hockey tournament with support from other local hockey clubs – Redbridge and Ilford, Southend, East London, Southend & Benfleet.
The ladies tournament was won by Redbridge and Ilford, with Jacks Journeymen Hockey Team as runners up and Thurrock won the men’s tournament.
Natalie Beardwell and Sarah White were recently presented with Jack Petchey awards and contributed their award money towards the pitch hire for the day, to provide a fun day of hockey for all ages, which included the tournament, and a ‘come and try’ day in the morning for those wanting to return to hockey or those who’ve never picked up a stick!
The total raised from the event currently stands at £1,500 with additional donations still being given. Organisers of the event, said: “It’s not all about the money, it’s more about raising awareness and encouraging people to sign up to Anthony Nolan’s donor register and to give blood – Jack wouldn’t be here today without either of those. A big thanks to all of the clubs who supported this tournament and our sponsors, Beardwell Construction and Cedar Hall Clinic.”
Jacks parents Vicki Parrott and Rob Kleinberg of St James Gardens, Westcliff, said: “We are so thankful and humbled by the support that’s shown by everyone. Jack is our hero and is a real fighter but is still dependant on the blood services, the continual hospital care from both Southend Neptune and Great Ormond Street.
He wouldn’t be with us still fighting today without these organisations or Anthony Nolan so to have an event such as this tournament is so very touching for us as a family. We’re overjoyed that we can be associated with days like this to help give back and raise awareness. The kindness and support from sporting teams like Thurrock Hockey Club means that a message is out there to motivate people in a positive way to help others, it’s wonderful!”
