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Fallen soldier's parents overwhelmed and honoured to be part of special fixture
The parents of a solider killed in Afghanistan have expressed their gratitude after taking part in an act of a Remembrance ahead of a special football match honouring two fallen heroes.
A record crowd of 515 spectators watched Oxhey Jets FC face the Royal Navy’s Under-23 side in the Combined Counties League club's annual Remembrance match which raises money for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
The game is held in memory of Private Tom Lake, a former Jets player from Northwood who was killed while serving with the 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales Regiment, in Afghanistan in November 2011.
For the first time, Saturday’s fixture also honoured late Watford serviceman Captain Tom Sawyer, of 29 Commando, who died in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan in January 2009.
Capt. Sawyer’s parents, Sue and Martyn, joined Pte. Lake’s mother, Carol, in laying the first wreaths in memory of their sons and, following the act of Remembrance, were given a moving ovation as they left the pitch.
Sue and Martyn Sawyer with Carol Lake after laying their wreaths (Image: Newsquest)
“Our first experience of taking part in the Tom Lake memorial event was overwhelming but such an honour to be asked to represent our son Tom Sawyer too,” Sue and Martyn said. “From arriving at the ground we were treated with kindness and respect. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly.
“One of the things that struck us the most was the respect and warmth of each of the players in the line up as we shook hands. And the young players laying wreaths, nodding in respect and standing straight backed before moving away. It truly showed the meaning of the occasion was felt by all of them.
The two teams and officials prior to kick-off as High Sheriff of (Image: Newsquest)
“The whole service was so moving and meticulously planned. All the supporters in the stands showed the utmost respect throughout.
“Oxhey Jets truly extols the virtues of a family orientated football club where friendliness, respect and care for others is as much a part as the football itself. [Club founder] John Elliott and all of those involved in the running of the club should be very proud.”
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Players from Oxhey Jets Youth lay their wreaths (Image: Newsquest)
The next wreath was laid by the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster who said: “I’m tremendously honoured to be asked to come today.
"I met John in the summer, came here to talk about my theme of sport for good and he mentioned this and said perhaps you’d like to come and here I am at the most incredible event. What a club and what a family feel.”
Although the match is not about the result, this was the most competitive Remembrance fixture played so far with Jets winning 3-1 through goals from David Lopes and Archie Sykes, either side of an own goal.
Luther Blissett and High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster with the Garry Beadle Memorial Cup (Image: Newsquest)
“The reaction I’m getting from everyone else is they think it’s the best one we’ve ever held,” Jets founder and general manager John Elliott said. “I think one of the biggest things was the quality of the team against us. That was a real quality game of football and that was the big difference on the day.
“Obviously the whole day went well with the band on the pitch this time and I thought it was a nice touch they finished with Eye of the Tiger, which is the theme tune for The Princess of Wales regiment and was played at Tom’s funeral.”
Archie Sykes (No. 18) scores Jets' third goal (Image: John Elliott)
This was the first time a band – the Royal Navy Volunteer Band from Northwood Headquarters – had performed prior to the fixture, before piper Colin MacDougal led the official party onto the Boundary Stadium pitch.
A total of 189 participants were involved in the act of Remembrance, led by master of ceremonies Paul Mimpress.
South West Hertfordshire MP Gagan Mohindra, chair of Three Rivers District Council Cllr Raj Khiroya and Watford FC legend Luther Blissett joined other councillors, the police, football association and league representatives, the match officials, team management and captains and players from Oxhey Jets Youth in also laying wreaths prior to the playing of the Last Post and a two minutes’ silence.
After the Colours and guests had left the pitch, the Garry Beadle Memorial Cup, named after the Jets player who died in 2019, was paraded and entrusted to the Royal Navy in recognition of their involvement in the occasion.
