It is with great sadness that the club have learned that Tom Vickerstaff has passed away from leukaemia at the age of only 26.
Tom joined Beeston as a 14 year old in the summer of 2006 and went on to represent the club and Notts at every age group. He was an ever present member of the Beeston U15 and U18 squads that finished National runners up in 2007 and 2010 respectively. Tom was an exceptional indoor player; winning the club’s Junior Indoor Player award in 2008 when the U16s reached the Nationals and captaining the U18s when they finished National runners up in 2010. Tom also played regularly in the men’s Saturday sides where he was affectionately known as “The Bishop”. Always a great team player he won virtually every team’s Player of the Season trophy from the 5ths in 2007 to the 2nds in 2010. Tom continued his hockey at Birmingham University, always seeming to save his best performances when playing against his former teammates at Beeston! In recent seasons due to his illness Tom returned home and came down to support family and friends who played for Beeston.
Tom was a calm and determined defender and he tackled his illness in the same way right up until the end. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family Alice, Christine David and Will at this sad and difficult time.
Tom’s funeral will take place on Saturday 13th April at 12:40pm at Wilford Hill Crematorium. Food and drinks will take place at River Lodge, 100 Racecourse Road. NG2 4RF.
The family have requested any attending not to wear black. There will be a collection for the haematology department at Nottingham City Hospital.
Categories: Beeston Hockey Club
