We're supporting the Jamie Loncaster Memorial Fund

In honour and memory of one of Victory’s team members, Darren Bainbridge-Austin, who sadly died of cardiac arrest last year, Victory’s chosen charity for the next two years is the Jamie Loncaster Memorial Fund.

The Loncaster family works within the local community in conjunction with national charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young, to offer free cardiac screening services for people aged between 14-35. Its vital fundraising also goes towards CRY’s broader national services including supporting those diagnosed with potential life-threatening cardiac problems as well as medical research and heart screening innovations.

Graham Loncaster, from Jamie Loncaster Memorial Fund at CRY, said: “We were most grateful when Victory offered their fundraising support for the coming year.

“Our ring-fenced memorial fund with Cardiac Risk in the Young ensures that all donations are spent locally on Heart Screenings for young people aged 14-35 in the East Yorkshire region.

“Having lost our youngest son Jamie, without warning, to an undetected heart issue in 2015, we know the impact such a loss has not only on family, but on friends and the wider community too.

“We are aware that Victory also lost one if their colleagues to a heart issue in November 2022 and this partnership therefore feels even more appropriate. We look forward to being involved as the year progresses.”

Shirin Kemp, director of marketing and PR at Victory added: “We have always supported local charities at Victory, giving back to our community and members of staff is so important to us.

“Having lost a well-respected member of the team to a tragic heart attack last year, we knew we needed to get behind the Jamie Loncaster Memorial Fund in order to help others in Darren’s memory.  

“We have a great track record of raising funds, and last year we managed to raise over £7,000 for Downright Special. We’re looking forward to getting started with our first fundraising events, which includes a five-a-side football tournament and a bake sale for World Baking Day in May.”