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Former Tonbridge Angels defender Charlie Slocombe's family host golf day at Redlibbets Golf Club in Sevenoaks to raise funds for free defibrillator and CPR training sessions

16:43, 07 March 2020

updated: 09:23, 09 March 2020

The family of a Tonbridge Angels defender who died after collapsing on the pitch are hosting a golf day to raise money for free defibrillator and CPR training sessions.

Charlie Slocombe, a former defender for the club who lived in Sevenoaks, was playing a six-a-side game when he collapsed.

Charlie Slocombe was a defender for Tonbridge Angels
Charlie Slocombe was a defender for Tonbridge Angels

The 25-year-old was put on life support at King's College Hospital in London but sadly passed away a day later.

He also played for Crowborough and Hythe teams during his sporting career.

Charlie's football manager Steve McKimm described him as "a nice, humble lad - someone you could rely on." and friends said he was "the most kind-hearted, thoughtful man."

Now his family, including his sister Lily and her boyfriend Christopher Whatman, are hosting a golf day to raise money for equipment so Charlie's father Keith can run free CPR and defibrillator training sessions.

Mr Slocombe thought of the idea after his son's death and the family have since been working to gather the funds needed.

Lily Slocombe and Christopher Whatman are organising the golf day
Lily Slocombe and Christopher Whatman are organising the golf day

Charlie's former colleagues did a day-long cycle ride in September, raising hundreds for the cause.

The classes will hopefully be held at either Borough Green Village Hall or Platt Memorial Hall.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Whatman said: "Organising charity events has helped make a heartbreaking situation into something a little more positive, as our goal is to help prevent other families going through something similar.

"We are still coming to terms with the loss of Charlie and appreciate all the support and kindness we have received over the past months.

"If we are able to help make people confident enough to perform CPR and use a defibrillator, and potentially save a life, our goal is complete."

Staff at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge raised money in Charlie's memory last year
Staff at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge raised money in Charlie's memory last year

The golf day, inspired by Charlie's love of the sport, will be held at Redlibbets Golf Club in Sevenoaks on Sunday, April 19.

Starting at 10am with breakfast, golfers will tee off at midday, with the programme including activities such as 'longest drive', 'closest to pin' and a trophy for the winner.

The clubhouse will be open to everyone all day and tickets are £45.

In the evening - for £15 for golfers and £10 for others - there will be a race night, buffet and raffle from 4pm.

Several businesses have already sponsored the event but the family are still looking for more to put their names on the remaining holes. Each company involved will get an advert at the tee-off green points.

Mr Whatman added: "Plans for the CPR training sessions are still in the early stages but the foundations are there we just need the financial backing, which is what we hope this golf day will help a lot with.

"We just want to raise as much money as possible and for everyone to have a great day."

To buy tickets or sponsor the event call Christopher Whatman on 07388023973.

Read more: All the latest news from Sevenoaks

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