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SportsAid Eastern celebrated the final Sporting Lunch of the 2025 season in Cambridge last week, bringing together supporters, partners and guests for an afternoon filled with inspiration, honesty and meaningful conversation about the reality of high-performance sport.
Guests were captivated by guest speaker Heather Fisher, Rugby World Cup winner, Olympian and one of the most powerful voices in British sport. Heather spoke openly about her journey from wanting to become an Olympian at just eight years old to navigating the intense demands of elite competition across both XVs and Sevens rugby.
She also shared the challenges that come with life after elite sport. Heather described the difficult transition many athletes face when retiring from full-time competition, explaining how it requires retraining, rethinking and learning to build a new identity beyond sport. Her honesty and humour resonated deeply with the room.
The event also introduced guests to SportsAid Eastern beneficiary Jason Ralph, an emerging talent in boccia. Jason first discovered the sport at secondary school in Cambridge when a local club provided an introduction to the game. His interest quickly developed into a passion and he went on to compete at county and regional level, strengthening his skills under the guidance of his coach.
Jason currently trains around eight hours each week alongside regular conditioning sessions. He is focused on refining his technique, developing resilience and building strong competitive strategies. Over the next 12 months, his goals include increasing training with his coach, competing in more high-level tournaments and working with sport psychologists to elevate his performance.
Away from boccia, Jason enjoys spending time with family, playing chess and reading about psychology, space and inspiring life stories. He is also learning to drive and volunteers his time with sports charities and his local library.
A spokesperson for SportsAid Eastern said:
“This was a brilliant way to close the 2025 Sporting Lunch season. Heather’s honesty about life inside and outside elite sport was powerful and uplifting. Meeting Jason and reading more about his Boccia journey was equally inspiring. The support shown across the room reflected the commitment our community has to nurturing young talent.”
Thanks to our hosts and sponsors for this event :
Brioche Pasquier
Carter Jonas
Ensors
Howes Percival
partnersand
PEM
Mishcon de Reya LLP
MM WEALTH LTD
Clarke and co
Cambridge Rugby Club
And – a huge thank you to everyone who has supported our Sporting Lunches across the region this year. From Northampton to South Bucks, Ipswich to Milton Keynes, Ely, Norwich, St Albans and now Cambridge, your generosity has helped open doors for the next generation.
For more information about SportsAid Eastern or to get involved, please visit www.sportsaideastern.co.uk
