(Image 2019 Purbrook Charity Match)
After a two-year abeyance, this Sunday 20 March sees the return of the annual charity rugby match in memory of former pupil Thommy Purbrook.
A member of the School, and Captain of Girls’ Rugby, Thommy’s life was cut short when she died from meningitis while on a school trip to St Petersburg, in December 2008. Her time at Oundle was marked by her enthusiasm, energy and determination, and she made a considerable contribution to the life of the School.
An endowment fund was established by Thommy’s parents in her memory, and once again, monies raised through the match will support the fund, which has become what it has thanks to many donations from many members of the School community over the past thirteen years.
The fund supports children who, like Thommy, will take full advantage of the academic and extra-curricular opportunities that Oundle has to offer. It makes these opportunities available to families who would not otherwise be able to consider an Oundle Education as an option.
Kick-off is at 2.30pm on Two Acre with the School community turning out to cheer the teams on alongside the Purbrook family who will present the Purbrook Plate to the winners. Sixth form girls from Sanderson and New House will play Dryden, Kirkeby, Wyatt and Laxton. The teams include pupils who regularly play rugby as well as a number of girls from other sports who have shown great enthusiasm and commitment by attending extra rugby training in their free time in order to be able to play.
Sanderson pupils will be selling cakes and hot chocolate and collecting donations pitch side. For those wishing to support their efforts from afar, donations to the Thommy Purbrook General Scholarship Fund can also be made online here: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/7920
Highlights from the match will be shared on the School Instagram account throughout the afternoon.
