A Fitting Tribute to Maryam and TJ
March 2008
Aston Villa's Nigel Reo Coker and BBC Sports journalist Robbie Earle lead the tributes at an event to remember Maryam and TJ in March.
Lambeth College Sports students Maryam Sackey and cousin Terence Junior Brown (TJ) died tragically last October when the car in which they were travelling collided with a lorry in Croydon. Fellow students and their teachers were left shocked and deeply saddened by the accident. The students were asked how they wanted to pay tribute to their classmates. A book of condolence was opened for friends to sign. The students also wanted a charitable event to take place in their memory.
On 6 March the Clapham Centre played host to a panel of sports and media stars who talked about their careers and opportunities in the world of sports and sports coaching. Ex-Wimbledon (now MK Dons) and Jamaica international and current BBC Sports journalist Robbie Earle chaired the session. Premiership footballers Nigel Reo Coker and Marlon King, football agent Tony Finnagan and Financial Executive to the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Nick Cusack talked about breaking into this very competitive business. Students then had the opportunity to ask questions.
Official shirts from Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and other London clubs, signed by all first team players, were auctioned at the event. The proceeds will go to charities funding the construction of wells in drought-ridden countries, careers advice and information sources for young people and safer community facilities for children.
Guests of honour at the event were members of Maryam and TJ's close family.
Later in the day two charity football matches took place; the first between male staff and students, the second between female staff and students.
Among the guests at the event were the family of Maryam and TJ. TJ’s mother spoke of the great loss her family had endured and how they had been comforted in their grief by the kind words and tributes from friends and fellow students. She said the event was one that would have made Maryam and TJ very proud.
