Rugby match will be a fitting tribute to Terry
ayoung@thekmgroup.co.uk A young man will be remembered by his school friends and team-mates in a memorial rugby match.
Terry Shambler was killed when he was hit by a bus while on holiday with friends in Ayia Napa, just a month after celebrating his 18th birthday.
Next Monday, Maidstone Grammar School’s 1st XV will take on a squad from Aylesford Bulls Rugby Football Club in honour of the much-loved 18-year-old.
The keen sportsman had recently finished his A-levels at the Barton Road school sixth form when he was fatally injured on the southern coast of Cyprus on Friday, July 18.
He played for the Hall Road-based club from the age of seven until he was 16 but was forced to retire from rugby because of a knee injury.
His former coach Tim Galligan said: “Many of the lads have gone off in dif- ferent directions and we thought the game would be a great way to bring them back together and remember Terry. We’re expecting a big turnout.”
The team will use the opportunity to unveil a wooden bench at the Jack Williams Ground in Terry’s honour.
Social secretary Melvin Martin collected £650 for the lasting tribute with support of players, friends and family.
Leftover funds and any contributions generated from next week’s game, which kicks off at 7.30pm, will be given to The Heart of Kent Hospice, also in Aylesford, a charity chosen by Terry’s parents, who live locally.
In a statement, his family said: “We are so grateful for everything that has been done to arrange this match.
“Tim Galligan, together with staff at Maidstone Grammar School, has worked hard to make this happen and we are looking forward to seeing Terry’s friends come together again to remember him in such a fitting way.
“We thank Aylesford Rugby Club for providing their facilities for the game.”
Adam Terrell, head of PE at Maidstone Grammar, said: “Terry was a really popular lad and the match will be a great way to pay tribute to him. We’re really pleased to be a part of it.”
At the opening of Terry’s inquest, Mid Kent and Medway assistant coroner Gail Elliman heard he “stumbled into the road” after leaving a weekly event called Kandi Beach. He died in hospital from multiple injuries.
A full hearing is due to take place next year.