It was once a cherished fixture on the local football calendar.
And now, The Beccles Hospital Cup has been played for again, in memory of a man who dedicated nearly 50 years to his local football club.
For the first time in four years, the cup was awarded after a match between Beccles Town Football Club and Bungay Town Football Club, held in memory of Beccles club stalwart John Humby, who died in 2014.
Mr Humby’s son Matthew was among the spectators who turned out to watch Beccles beat Bungay 2-0 on Sunday and claim the now re-named John Humby Hospital Cup.
“For us as a family it’s a real tribute and a real honour to have the cup played for in dad’s name,” he said.
“He was a big supporter of Beccles hospital, he felt it was really important to the community.
“Renaming the cup and playing for it again is such a nice tribute and I hope the cup will continue for many years, not just to remember dad, but also to raise money for the hospital.”
Two first half goals from Kieron Bale and Joe Clark sealed the deal for Beccles Town, with almost £1,000 raised for Beccles Hospital and donations still coming in.
Mark Harrod from match sponsor MHGoals, Matthew Humby and Beccles Town chairman Andy Woodcock then presented the trophy to the victorious home side.
Mr Woodcock said: “The really pleasing thing about this event is it’s something John used to pull together for us and it’s not been held for a few years now. Of all the things John did, we thought this would be a very worthwhile thing to do for him.”
And Bungay Town were happy to step up to the challenge.
Club secretary Mick Simpson said: “It is something that had been going on for years and got a bit forgotten.
“We were talking about the Hospital Cup and thought it would be nice to get it going again.
“It’s a match between two local teams, all for a good cause and it’s a good start to the season.”
It is now hoped that the John Humby Hospital Cup will be played for each year, with other local sides also getting involved.
Are you holding a special event in aid of a good cause? Email the details to polly.grice@archant.co.uk
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