Hockey club helps raise much-needed funds for Hatton-based charity

A hockey club has helped raise much-needed funds for a charity based in Hatton with their annual tournament.

Olton and West Warwickshire Hockey Club hosted the Molly Olly Day event - now a firm fixture of their calendar, where five teams competed in a series of mixed ability matches with quirky handicaps and rule twists.

Over the years the tournament has raised more than £10,000 for Molly Olly’s Wishes, which was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

The club raised £1,680 from Saturday’s event, which was achieved despite Covid precautions being put in place.

Organiser Adrian Stapley said: “For a long time it didn't look like we would be able to even put on the tournament this year with the added pressure of our normal league fixtures starting soon.

"I would like to thank the small army of helpers I had in getting the day organised on such short notice.

“Rather than mixing the teams up, the idea is to pit them against each other, so the Badgers play the senior teams but we throw in a few handicaps to even things up and make it more fun, such as putting corner flags across the goal or reducing the numbers.

"But some of the unusual rules our ‘Hockey but not Hockey’ tournament has employed in the past had to be dropped this year.

"To compensate some new rules were successfully introduced that also helped keep players socially distanced on the pitch as well such as restricting the areas individuals could run on the pitch.”

“With the circumstances we faced and having to limit participants on the day we weren't expecting to be as successful this year but the amount raised far exceeded many expectations so thank you to all who participated.”

Molly Olly’s Wishes works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional well-being as well as grant wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Longstanding members of the hockey club, which fields teams from child beginners through to National League level, include Molly’s dad Tim and brother Ben, who represented the 2nd XI.

Trustee and founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Olton and West Warks has huge significance for us a family and so it is always a very special day surrounded by a great group of people.

"The club has done so much to support the charity over the years and we are extremely grateful to all involved.

"The weather was kind and it was a really fun day that has helped to raise much- needed funds to ensure we can provide support to the children and families that need us.”

Organiser and player Adrian Stapley came up with the unusual format which he’s built upon over the years. Money was also raised through a raffle with more than 60 donated prizes up for grabs.

He said: “Rather than mixing the teams up we actually pit them against each other, so the Badgers play the senior teams but we throw in a few handicaps to even things up and make it more fun, such as putting corner flags across the goal or reducing the numbers.

"So you might end up with a first team of six to seven players playing a kids’ team of 16-17 players.

“It’s become part of the club’s culture and Olton’s calendar. It’s a lot of fun and it’s such a different day. It’s hockey – but it’s not hockey.”

More information about Molly Olly’s Wishes or how to donate can be found at: www.mollyolly.co.uk