Announcing the Simon Lau Pancreatic Cancer Research Award
- davegush
- Oct 27, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 12
A new research award was announced on October 26th 2024 in memory of Simon Lau, Guy’s graduate and GHRFC 3rd XV Captain who died from Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 33 last year.
Previously the Penguins v GHRFC match has just been called PAC day, but this year we are remembering and celebrating the life of Simon and are joined by his family for the match and the launch of the £5,000 research award into Pancreatic Cancer.
Simon Lau Memorial Match and Dinner
Saturday 26th October 2024 brought us the first Fresher’s vs Alumni game of the season.
Previously known as PAC Day, this year we launched the inaugural Simon Lau Memorial Trophy, in memory of Simon Lau, GHRFC player from 2008-2014, who died of pancreatic cancer in October 2023, aged just 33. Simon was a true clubman, adored by all who knew him and we felt it only right to honour his memory and his contributions to GHRFC. We were very lucky having Simon’s family join us for the game and dinner, and we look forward to welcoming them back again next year.
The match was fiercely contested, and saw the Penguins taking an early, commanding lead, thanks to their Captain Pete Gretton leading from the front. He scored a cheeky chip-and-chase try. This was followed by some elusive running from Liam Bryant, Theo Robert’s and Lucas Tsolakides, with Will Taylor, Tom George and George Tsolakides providing some powerful (albeit slower) jaunts. Special shout-out to Simon’s friends who polished off their hung-up boots, and got truly stuck in. Captain Jack, Honey Badger, Iain Wilson, and Simon Garrard all proved they’ve still got it. Also great to see Bernard Harrington-Vogt, Tom Fenner and Jamie Tucker equally stepping up in the forward pack. Rauri Hadlington impressed from the base, whilst Lolu Oluwole-Ojo proved he can still run a mean outside arc. And, as always, former 1st XV captains, Charlie West, ZTT, George Child, Tom Downie and Dylan Chase proved why they held that accolade “back in the day”. Ben Awosika also had a good game, but is he really alumni with his 2024 GB attendance?
Thankfully the freshers came back in the second half, captained by Marlo Widdodo. They all played very well, considering it’s such a young and inexperienced team. Caleb Adamu scored some outstanding tries in what was only his second game of rugby EVER: he picking up the Fresher’s MOTM – one to watch for the future! The ever-mischievous Manos Andreakis (under cover - disguised as a fresher) picked up his 3rd DOTD accolade of the season. Overall, 15 Fresher’s took the field in their squad which is always an encouraging start to the season, and bodes well for the growth of the Club.
As frequently happens in these sorts of games, we don’t actually know the final score, as the spectators and score monitors were too busy chatting, reminiscing and hydrating. Nevertheless, sufficient attention to the game by the French Referee, provided timely confirmation that the Penguins won. For the record: [Freshers GHRFC 18-43 GHRFC Penguins].
What followed was an evening of age-old-traditions, singing with routines and then a dinner at the Horniman at Hays. The whole day was staged in memory of Simon, and we really hope we did him, his family and his friends proud with our efforts. Penguins Against Cancer were in attendance and announced their new £5,000 research grant for pancreatic cancer research, in memory of Simon.
Overall, a great night was had by all and we look forward to next year’s fixture, scheduled to be held on Saturday 25th October 2025.
Jamie Dunbar, Alumni Secretary
