Ed's Fund

Ed’s Sport Fund

Ed’s Sports Fund was set up in memory of Ed Glover who died in a car accident in July 2021. The fund continues his passion for helping to help people, particularly children and young adults who might not have the opportunities to get involved in sports of all types and at all levels.

Upcoming Events in 2024

We have a number of fund-raising events coming up this year. on 2nd August it is the Polo Farm Tennis Tournament followed later in July or early August by Memorial Cricket between Street End and Canterbury “U19s”.

What has happened in 2024

On 14th July, Nathan Fox Took part in the Dunstable half marathon. Sadly Bertie Philips was forced to pull out the Swansea Ironman challenge due to medical reasons. (#RaceForEd.) Earlier in July Ed’s Dad, Julian, again rode the ride from Calais to Amsterdam.

Nathan was in no doubt of his motivation to do the miles for Ed’s fund. “Ed raised money for various causes through his athletic exploits and I had the opportunity to raise money for another cause, his own. I am sure he would approve.”

For Bertie the Ironman was a unique challenge for him “70.3 is an endurance test that includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle, and a 13.1-mle run. Juggling this with type 1 diabetes makes it the most mental and physical challenge I've ever faced. Unfortunately the training regime and my diabetes did not work together and I was told by doctors to continue with the training could seriously jeopardize my health. However, there is every chance I can do it in the future with a different training regime. I fully intend to as doing it for Ed is still a huge motivation. ”

Bertie explains why he is undertaking the Ironman challenge. “Ed was more than just a great sportsperson; to me, he was my best friend and a fundamental part of my life. Ed was always there when I needed him, ready with a joke to lighten the mood or wise words when life threw its curveballs. His positive outlook on life, dedication, and ability to find happiness in the smallest moments deeply impacted me. I always carry his spirit with me, honouring him the best I can while being grateful for the lessons and memories he left behind.”

“Tackling the Ironman 70.3 is more than just a physical challenge; it's a personal tribute to Ed's spirit and legacy. It's about challenging and pushing myself in memory of someone who lived life to the fullest and continuing the work he was passionate about through Ed's Fund.”

“Together, let's honour Ed's memory by making sport more accessible to all and fostering a community he would be proud of.”

Nathan’s motivation is equally personal. “My friendship with Ed began, unsurprisingly, through sport. Over the years we played in the same teams across football, hockey, tennis and cricket. It feels fitting that I will be running the Dunstable Downs half marathon in his memory the day after what will be the third anniversary of his passing.”

"The money I and Bertie raise for Ed’s fund will be used to give more opportunities for people to take part in sport which is something he was passionate about as a keen coach and motivator of many. Any donations are hugely appreciated and will help us continue the work Ed started with the aim to make sport attractive and accessible to all.

Please support both Nathan and Bertie’s efforts by donating to the fund.

For more information on these events, and on the Fund itself see Ed's Sport Fund website.

Fundraising Events in 2023

Ed Glover Memorial T20 Cricket Match - Sunday 23rd July 2023,

Our second Fundraiser was the annual memorial Ed Glover T20 cricket match between Canterbury U19s and Street End. On an afternoon for which the weather remained kind a good number of people came up to Polo Farm to watch a very good natured and none to competitive game between two teams that meant so much to Ed. A fantastic barbecue together as well as ample, tea and cake and a bar hep everyone refreshed. All told the event raised over £350 for Ed's Fund.

The success of the event was due in no small way to the efforts of Liam Durrant, u19s Captain and one of Ed’s best friends. He was ably assisted by his Dad, Richard and Bob and Kate who did a brilliant job of keeping everyone fed with a barbecue and pizza.

The match was between the two club sides Ed was playing for most in his last season in 2021. Canterbury U19s was made up principally by lads most of had played for the Langton Boys First team and wanted to carry on playing together. Their match against Bexley was the last match Ed ever played in, a match that ended with Ed playing his beloved reverse sweep to score the winning four runs.

Street End was one of Ed's other "homes" along with Polo Farm and Langton Boys. He joined Street End as a junior when he was 9 and remained loyal to the Club, playing in each year group, ultimately playing for the senior side. It was with Street End he scored his maiden and only century.

Ed Glover Memorial Tennis Tournament on 18 August 2023 at Polo Farm

The last event of 2023 was the Ed Glover Memorial Tennis Tournament. Over 40 players of wide and varied ability took in a range of tennis matches. To make things a little more interesting, each of the tennis matches had a different twist on normal tennis. These twists included right handed players having to play left handed and vice versa, playing wheelchair tennis and using old fashioned racquets.

Our first fundraiser - Calais to Amsterdam bike ride

The cycle ride from Calais to Amsterdam over 19th - 23rd June is done. A band of six of us cycled the 236 miles from the Port of Calais to Amsterdam Centraal station.

Pouring rain, head winds coupled with deceptive Belgian Hills, perverse maps and a puncture made it a bit more challenging. Fueled by flapjack, Mars Bars, real French fries and a determination not to give up got us through in the end.

The ride replicated a similar ride undertaken by Ed and his dad 8 years ago which raised funds for Dr Obote's School in Uganda.

Your donation will help bring deliver benefits and continue Ed's efforts.