The Tom Jones In Memorium Fund
A new Fund has been set up to celebrate the memory of a young student Tom ‘Jonah’ Jones from Bromsgrove who died in a tragic accident in the River Severn in September 2018. Tom was just 18 and in the first week of starting a teaching degree course at the University of Worcester.
Please look out on this page for upcoming fundraising events and activities supporting Tom’s Fund.
To give to Tom’s fund please DONATE HERE.
Tom was an immensely popular young man, with a huge love of sport and life; he had everything before him and his wide circle of family and friends were devastated by his sudden and unexplained loss. Tom represented Bromsgrove Sporting for 6 years and as a tribute Bromsgrove Sporting have named the stand at the Victoria ground in his honour. A future charitable match is planned by the Club to support the new fund.
Following this tragedy, thousands of pounds of funding has been raised through many fundraising initiatives organised by Tom’s family and friends, with causes supported including Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK, Edwards Trust, SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association), UK Missing Persons Unit, West Mercia Search & Rescue and Primrose Hospice.
Tom’s mum Vicki Jones has dedicated herself to supporting charities which focus on safer use of waterways for everyone.
Partnering with Worcester Community Foundation, the Fund Holders have set up a charitable fund in Tom’s name which can act as a catalyst for a wide range of community fundraising projects. The main emphasis will be on helping to provide sports-related opportunities to all children and young adults in schools, colleges and universities and working closely with local sports groups – reflecting Tom’s passion for sport. WCF will be able to distribute funds quickly and effectively to organisations and causes of the Fund Holders’ choice.
Significantly, Tom’s Fund has launched during the RLSS annual water safety message for Drowning Prevention Week (19th- 26th June).
Vicki Jones commented: ‘An average of 402 people lose their lives to accidental drowning in the UK and Ireland every year. More than 46% never intended to be in the water and a lack of confidence and competence in water affects survival rates. Over 80% of those who accidentally drown are male. Every drowning is one too many and a statistic that shouldn’t even exist – drowning is preventable. The RLSS website offers free resources and online lessons to enable all to enjoy the beautiful waterways we have safely. We will continue to tell our story in memory of Tom in the hope that we can reduce these numbers and prevent another family going through what we are.’
Amongst the many tributes paid to Tom- or Jonah as he was known by those who were close to him- were these:
‘A true legend was lost but the memory of him deserves to live forever’
‘He had the ability to light up a room with his bright personality and humour’
‘Jonah was a kind, honest and funny person who was loved by many. He was always at the heart of the jokes and the banter and his humour was contagious. He was simply a joy to be around…’
‘Jonah epitomised what it was to be a team player ; he dragged you up in your lowest moments but he was always the first to congratulate you on your achievements’
Please support Vicki and Ian in their latest challenge to support Tom’s Fund, walking 21000 steps each day for 21 days.
For more information or to make a donation: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Vicki-Jones27
If you would like to know more about Tom’s Fund or to discuss fundraising ideas please contact the fundholders on [email protected]