A couple of months after Jack’s tragic death in 2019, his friends from his last football club (who were struggling themselves with the loss), asked the Phillips family if they could arrange a charity football match in his memory.
This first match took place on the 8th December 2019 at Hendersons Sports and Social Club, between a JP (Jack Phillips) FC XI and Coral FC, with JP FC claiming the victory. A fabulous £710 was raised and donated to St Francis Hospice.
More charity games followed in 2020 and a six team tournament in 2021. It was clear that the support of so many people could help provide a lasting legacy to Jack's memory, and the organisation became a registered charity in November 2021.
The charity is administered by four trustees: Scot Phillips , Nichola Phillips, Alan Webb and Selina Peel
The charity's listed objects (aims) are:
"To promote community participation in healthy recreation, in particular but not exclusively by providing facilities for playing football in the UK.
To advance charitable purposes in accordance with the law of England and Wales, by making grants to other charities as the trustees see fit from time to time. Including, but not limited to those who support families that have suffered the loss of a child under the age of 25".
So far the charity has raised over £19,000.....incredible during the pandemic and lockdowns ! Football really is family, even during a cost of living crisis.
The charity is run by a committee of volunteers: Scot Phillips, Alan Webb, Lee Upton, Martin Halpin, Tony Clark, Tom Bennett, Steve Claxton, Steve Ince, Barry Hagland.
Going forward the charity is looking to do so much more for communities, the vulnerable, elderly and families on low incomes.
With the help of the rapidly growing JP8 family, Jack's lasting legacy will continue to make a positive contribution to so many lives,
