Near the end of December last year, musician and former Purcell student Alex Ross sadly passed away. Over the past few months, students and staff, all of whom were extremely fond of Alex, have been coming together to remember the kind, loving and talented young musician that he was.

Alex was a keen footballer and passionate member of The Purcell School football team. With this in mind, former Purcell students, Sam Every, Chris Price and Charlie Heywood assembled two teams featuring old Purcellians, friends from Lincolnshire, friends from the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall school to play a football match in his memory.

“Sunday the 10th of March saw the first ever Alex Ross Memorial Cup game. A football match celebrating the life of a loving friend we lost too young! It was a fantastic game, ending 2-2 at the final whistle. Players from all walks of Alex’s life, the Royal Academy, Purcell, his home in Lincolnshire, came together for a great game of sport watched on by many of his friends. A brilliant day was had by all and also a bonus to make a bit of money for charity as well!” (Sam Every)

All proceeds from the match were donated to Brake; the road safety charity. Brake’s work includes providing essential support services for families who are devastated by death or injury on roads, and campaigning to prevent casualties and make communities safer.

“We have all been hit very hard by the reality of losing our friend. We felt we should do something Alex would’ve loved, and we wanted to raise money for a cause that will help prevent similar losses.” (Chris Price)

“Brake is extremely grateful to Chris for going to such lengths to support Brake. The funds they raise will allow Brake to continue its important work, supporting bereaved and injured road crash victims and campaigning for safer roads.” (Joe Fenton, Senior Community Fundraising Officer at Brake)