Cancer fight boosted by memorial event to former Highland journalist
The widow and the mother of former Highland journalist Jack Calvert have given thanks to those who in his name are raising thousands to fight the disease that so cruelly took him two years ago.
Jack, after serving his apprenticeship as a reporter with Scottish Provincial Press before a career switch and marriage to Eilidh took him to Aberdeen as a young police officer, died in July 2022 at just 32 after a brave fight with bowel cancer.
To help keep his memory alive, his colleagues launched The Jack Calvert Memorial Games and on Saturday August 10 at Deeside Rugby Club in Banchory colleagues, friends and family gathered for a special event, which raised £7100 for charity.
A police spokesperson explained that the initial idea had grown since its inception and Jack’s family told the Strathy this week they were grateful for the way things had turned out.
Always superfit, Jack had been an all-round sportsman and his memory was being kept in the perfect way, through sport for charity.
The family event saw the Scottish Police Rugby women’s team go head-to-head against Garioch ladies’ teams as the North Police Scotland battled for victory against the Scottish Police men’s squad.
Spectators enjoyed an afternoon placing bids at the raffle and silent auction while sampling a host of delicacies on offer.
Proceeds are being split between The Archie Foundation, Maggie’s Aberdeen and Roxburghe House, which were all selected by Jack’s wife Eilidh.
She told the Strathy: “The game epitomises what Jack stood for - healthy competition, fitness, family and friends, good food and doing your bit for charity to help the local community.”
His mother, Amanda, said: “We are so grateful to Grampian Police Rugby Football Club and Scottish Police Rugby for their continued support and all their time and effort making the Jack Calvert Memorial Games the amazing event that it is and for gifting us this opportunity for everyone to remember Jack every year.'
