The Bullock Smithy Challenge

Tom was a natural sportsman. He was a star player in each and every team through school. His first love was lacrosse, and at only 16 years old Tom was playing in the senior team and looked to have a long career ahead of him.

Then, at 21, his sporting life took a huge turn, as he was told he was to have his leg amputated. Soon after the operation, a member of England Amputee Football Team came to visit him, and told him all about the sport, and invited him to training as soon as he was fit!

This was a revelation to Tom. He took this challenge on, and the rest is history. He captained the Great Britain Amputee Team from 2010-2014, leading them out at the World Cup in Argentina along the way.

EAFA was once funded by the FA, but is now entirely self-funded. Tom, as ever, led by example, and spent a lot of time raising funds and awareness of this incredible sport, including walking up Snowden with his team-mates and talking at after-dinner events.

We want to continue to raise funds and carry on Tom's fantastic work on behalf of EAFA. Please help us to support this phenomenal sport.

During the last weekend in July 2016 a group of Tom's friends are getting together once again to attempt The Bullock Smithy Challenge which is a 56 mile hike in the Peak District to be completed in 24 hours.

Tom was an inspirational person, he was not shaped by the hardships he faced, but instead viewed every obstacle as a challenge to overcome.

And overcome them he did. Always in his own, quietly determined and understated way. And always with clarity, perspective and dignity.

Thank you