THURROCK Hockey Club, based at USP Palmers College in Chadwell Road in Grays today (Sunday, 3 March) played host to a fundraising youth tournament in support of the Love Grace and White Ribbon charities.

The event, taking place for a third time, featured a series of matches between young players from Southend and Thurrock Hockey clubs and also served as a fundraiser for the charities supported by the family of former club member Grace Millane, who was murdered in New Zealand in December 2018.

Young players from Thurrock and Southend clubs.

Previously the event has raised £896. Sunday's event added £500 to that total.

The Thurrock club has a strong commitment to support the two charities that are backed by Grace's family and always wears white ribbons on their ricks in matches closest to the annual White Ribbon Day, 25 November.

Young players from Thurrock and Southend clubs.

The idea for the hockey tournament came about three years ago and was originated by former Thurrock player and coach Luke Danbrook who says: "I used to coach Grace in the youth set-up when I was at Thurrock and I played with her brothers there.

"The idea came about when we (Southend) didn't wanmt to go to London for a youth tournament and insted agreed to play one with Thurrock as we have close ties.

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Young players from Thurrock and Southend clubs.

"I said let's do it for Grace's charities and it's gone on from there. It's not partisan, we mix up players from both clubs to make up the sides and it's become a very enjoyable annual event."