THE memory of Luke Buckingham was honoured during a special event at Bridgwater College – where he was a popular figure.

Keen sportsman Luke, who was at the heart of developing competitive sport at the Somerset college, passed away a decade ago at the age of 30 after living with leukaemia.

And to celebrate his legacy as sports development manager and beyond, staff, students, friends and family came together to remember him with a range of activities across a two-day event.

The college’s Sports Development Team organised a day of fundraising, sport and community spirit, with a particular focus on supporting Anthony Nolan, a charity that held deep personal significance to Luke and his family.

Luke benefitted from a stem cell transplant during his illness, which gave him an additional three years with his loved ones.

As a result, the memorial event was used to raise awareness of the charity and its work, encouraging others to register as potential stem cell donors.

Representatives from Anthony Nolan’s Hero Project, the charity’s education programme that teaches 16–18-year-olds about the importance of stem cell, blood, and organ donation, joined Luke’s father, Bob Buckingham, in engaging with more than 350 students.

Anthony Nolan representatives Holly Buckingham, Luke;s wife, Jason Gunningham and Ben Kirk

They delivered powerful talks about how young people can save lives through donation and inspired many students to sign up to the stem cell register on the day.

The event began with a powerful 10-hour spin challenge, symbolising Luke’s drive and determination, with staff and students taking turns throughout the day, raising funds through donations and raffle entries to support Anthony Nolan’s lifesaving work.

Meanwhile, a series of football fixtures on the college’s 3G pitch, concluding with a special match between UCS College Group Staff and a Luke Buckingham XI.

The match-up ended in a 2-0 win for the Luke Buckingham XI, led by Ben Kirk, Luke’s best friend.

By the end of the event, 154 students had signed up to become potential donors, participants had covered 2192.65km over the 10 hours, with more than £1,500 raised for Anthony Nolan.

The UCS College Group and Luke Buckingham XI teams

Jason Gunningham, principal at Bridgwater College, said: “Luke made an incredible impact on everyone he worked with. This event was about celebrating his legacy in a way that truly reflected who he was, passionate, selfless, and deeply committed to helping others reach their potential.

“I’m incredibly proud that the College has able to support Anthony Nolan in his memory, and grateful for the way our college community has come together to honour Luke through such a meaningful cause.”

Luke’s wife, Holly, took part in the events and added: “Luke always believed in the power of sport to bring people together. He was driven to succeed, to never stop trying and to always inspire those around him, which is why the ‘better never stops’ message is now embedded into everything the sports teams at the college do.

“This event is such a fitting tribute to who he was and the values he lived by.”

Andrew Crowl, youth engagement senior manager at Anthony Nolan, said: “We are delighted that students at Bridgwater College have been inspired to encourage people to sign up as donors. We particularly need young men to join the register, as they are most likely to be chosen to donate to a patient in need of a lifesaving stem cell transplant.”

For more about sport at Bridgwater College, visit btc.ac.uk, and for more about The Hero Project and the work it does in Luke’s memory, visit anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/volunteer-find-your-lifesaving-role/hero-project.

READ MORE: Bridgwater news from your Somerset Leveller