The first hockey match of the winter season was tinged by sadness in Spalding this year.
Members of the club’s men’s first team paid tribute to a player who died recently.
They gathered ahead of the match against Wisbech at Glen Park to remember Joe Higgins.
“The hockey club recently said goodbye to our teammate and friend Joe Higgins. He started off as a junior before moving through the men’s senior sides,” said a club statement.
Saturday’s first team match also included a minute’s applause before the start of the game.
A JustGiving page set up in Joe’s memory has already raised more than £2,300 for the Don’t Lose Hope charity which Joe had previously expressed an interest in raising money for by running a marathon. Don’t Lose Hope raises funds to support people who need to access free or low cost counselling.
The Bourne-based charity raises funds through the cafe and a gift shop along with donations. It offers a professional counselling service to all members of the community from the age of four upwards.
It also has a garden area where visitors can find someone to talk to, take part in activities and make friends.
The match was attended by Joe’s family and his number 34 shirt, which the team has retired as a lasting memory to him, was on the bench.
“Joe’s aim was to complete his next marathon and raise funds for Bourne-based charity Don’t Lose Hope.
“We would like to encourage all members and supporters of SHC to donate in Joe’s memory,” says a club notice on its Facebook page.
Joe died unexpectedly on July 29, and last weekend’s match was the first of the season for his team.
The hockey club has also teamed-up with Tonic Health in Spalding to provide a safe space for a support system for men within the club. All current and former players, supporters, members and parents were invited to a special event on Saturday evening, after the match.
“This is an environment for all men to get things off their chest (or to just talk stick!) and speak to one another about all the good or negative things.”
