CHC Charity Weekend

Last weekend, Cheltenham Hockey Club hosted our first ever Charity Weekend, held in memory of Charlie Drake, a much-loved member of the Cheltenham community.

Across the weekend, players, families, friends and supporters came together to celebrate Charlie’s life, enjoy some great hockey and raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust and Leukaemia UK.

And what a weekend it was.

Friday evening saw a fantastic mixed-ability Charity Match, with players from Cheltenham College and Cheltenham Hockey Club coming together to represent the two charities.

There was a brilliant atmosphere around the pitch, with the wider community turning out in force to support the Drake family — who were also part of the match themselves, making the evening particularly special.

After the hockey, we took a moment to remember Charlie and pay our respects before presenting the trophy to the deserving winners, Cheltenham College, and their captain, Milly Drake, Charlie’s sister.

It was a genuinely special evening — full of friendship, community and plenty of hockey — and one we very much hope will become an annual fixture in the CHC calendar.

Saturday saw us welcome Cirencester Hockey Club and Lansdown Hockey Club for a series of competitive matches.

There was some excellent hockey throughout the day, with plenty of skill, determination and competitive spirit on show - but, as you’d expect from a weekend like this, everything was played in fantastic spirits.

It was a great opportunity for the clubs to come together, enjoy their hockey and support a really important cause at the same time.

A weekend like this takes a huge amount of support, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.

Cheltenham College – for generously providing the pitches free of charge

Our brilliant umpires – for donating their time and expertise

The Cheese Works Street Eats – for keeping everyone fed

Frank’s Organic Coffee – for keeping everyone fuelled ☕

The Drake family – for allowing us to hold the event in support of Charlie and for being such an important part of the weekend

Our event staff, volunteers and the wider hockey community – for everything you did behind the scenes and throughout the weekend

Everyone who donated raffle prizes or bought tickets – your generosity made a huge difference

Together, we have so far raised an incredible £1,400 for Teenage Cancer Trust and Leukaemia UK. ❤️

If you would still like to make a donation, you can do so here.

Thank you to everyone who played, volunteered, donated, supported, umpired, watched and helped make our first Charity Weekend such a memorable one.

For Charlie. ❤️