For 32 years, Ed Thorpe was a much-loved member of staff at Loughborough Grammar School, remembered for his enthusiasm, warmth and dedication to generations of pupils.
Joining LGS in 1964 and becoming Head of Games in 1966, Ed oversaw a remarkable period for school sport, particularly rugby and cricket, with the school producing its first international players during his time. He also helped broaden the sporting opportunities available to boys and improve the school’s facilities. Beyond the games field, Ed taught English and was heavily involved in school music and drama.
Today, his love of sport lives on through the Ed Thorpe Memorial Fund, which supports pupils who need financial help to take part in cricket and rugby. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, the Fund helps with everything from essential sporting equipment to the cost of attending competitions.
Over the past year, nine pupils across Years 7 to 13 have received individual grants, while an additional donation has provided cricket equipment for pupils to borrow, benefiting many more boys in the years to come.
Making a Difference on and off the Pitch
For one Year 8 pupil, a grant meant he could represent Loughborough Grammar School at the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens, one of the country’s leading school rugby tournaments.
He has shown great commitment to rugby, captaining the school team in Year 7 and receiving Players’ Player awards at both LGS and his rugby club. However, following a hard period for his family, the costs associated with taking part in sporting opportunities had become harder to meet.
The Fund covered the cost of his trip to Rosslyn Park, as well as the LGS Rugby Dinner.
Reflecting on the experience, he said:
“I’ve gained a lot of experience of playing rugby sevens at a national level and watching older age groups play. Thank you for supporting me in my rugby. Our family has been through a difficult period recently and this financial support is much appreciated.”
Helping Young Cricketers
Several young cricketers have also received support with the cost of equipment, allowing them to continue playing as they grow and progress through the school.
One Year 7 pupil received new cricket gloves, shorts and wrist guards after outgrowing his existing kit. His mother explained:
“The grant helped us replace my son’s old cricket equipment, which had become too small as he has grown. He is really happy with his new gear and enjoys playing cricket even more.”
For another pupil in Year 8, a new cricket helmet was particularly important. He had been using the same helmet since he was ten, but as he grew and began facing faster bowling from older players, it no longer fitted properly or offered the protection he needed.
His mother said:
“We really appreciate being able to purchase a new helmet, as he desperately needed one, and as he starts playing older kids, it is even more vital. Thank you for the grant.”
Other grants have helped pupils purchase cricket whites, rugby boots and protective equipment, as well as contributing towards cricket coaching opportunities.
Making Cricket Accessible to More Pupils
In addition to the individual grants, a separate donation to the Fund has provided four fully equipped cricket kit bags for pupils to borrow.
The two junior and two senior sets contain bats, pads, gloves, helmets and thigh pads, giving boys access to the equipment they need without their families having to purchase everything themselves.
This is especially useful for Year 7 pupils who are new to hard ball cricket. Having kit available means they can give the sport a go, play alongside their friends and decide whether they would like to take it further.
Alex Aldred, Head of Cricket, explained:
“The kit is particularly useful for our Year 7 pupils and helps boys get their first introduction to cricket when they may not otherwise have had the opportunity without access to the equipment.”
The kit bags will remain at the school for future pupils to use, so the donation will continue to benefit boys for years to come.
Continuing Ed’s Legacy
From a Year 7 pupil receiving his first set of cricket equipment to a young rugby player competing at national level, the Ed Thorpe Memorial Fund is helping boys enjoy sport without financial pressures limiting their opportunities.
The messages from pupils and their families show how much this support is appreciated.
Thank you to all the alumni and friends who have donated to the Ed Thorpe Memorial Fund. Your generosity is helping pupils enjoy the sports Ed cared so much about and ensuring his contribution to Loughborough Grammar School continues to be felt today.
