This Saturday 12th March sees an important event in the College calendar – the Jack Merritt Memorial Rugby Match. Jack was a Hughes graduate and lost his life in the terror attack at Fishmongers’ Hall in London in 2019, along with fellow Cambridge graduate Saskia Jones. He is remembered fondly by many at Hughes and through a scholarship provided in his memory.
Jack was an exceptional person on and off the rugby pitch with the ability to connect with all those who met him. He tragically passed away during the London Bridge terror attack where he was working to tackle injustice within prisoner rehabilitation. A dear friend and teammate to the All Greys (the rugby club for Hughes Hall, Wolfson, Darwin, St Edmunds and Clare Hall) , he is sorely missed. In his memory, the team are honoured to continue this event to celebrate Jack’s life through the sport that brought them together.
To remember Jack and Saskia, and to raise money for Just for Kids Law, the All Greys RUFC welcome all to the Jack Merritt Memorial Match on the main pitch at Grange Road, kick-off at 1.15pm. Tickets are £5 and can be booked here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jack-merritt-memorial-match-tickets-272813601827.
“This event is open to all who knew Jack and anyone who would like to honour his memory. We are hoping to see as many of you there as possible.”
The All Greys RUFC Committee
The England v. Ireland Six Nations match will be shown at Grange Road afterwards and all are welcome. Food and drinks will be available throughout the day. All of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to Just for Kids Law, a non-profit, chosen by Jack’s family, committed to helping young people with legal difficulties. For those who would like to donate but are unable to attend the event in person, we have a GoFundMe page, here: https://gofund.me/9d405c4d and all are welcome to join the Facebook event as well: https://www.facebook.com/events/630735634876318.
“Jack is remembered with great affection and great sadness by a many in the Hughes Hall community – he had a special place in the hearts of staff, students and seniors alike and those who knew him speak of an inspiring person of generous spirit, and a keen sportsman who participated fully in College life. We hope it is a fitting tribute that a scholarship is provided in Jack’s memory – available for MPhil in Criminology applicants from a Widening Participation background – and it is heart-warming to see his friends remembering him in this way, through the sport he loved.”
Dr Anthony Freeling, President
11.3.22
