Bexley sports club celebrates special legacy with charity fundraiser for Mind in Bexley
Members of Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash and Racquetball Club organised a special charity bake sale for Mind in Bexley, raising funds to support our work in the borough.
The event, held on Friday 6 November, marked the club’s fifth annual charity cake sale, bringing members, families and friends together for a day of fundraising, conversation and community spirit.
Throughout the day, members supported the event by baking and donating homemade cakes, making financial contributions and enjoying refreshments at the club, which has been based at its current site at Parkhurst Road, Bexley since 1880.
But behind the popular annual fundraiser is a particularly meaningful story.
A special legacy and support for Mind in Bexley
The annual charity cake sale was established in 2022 in memory of Toni, the wife of club squash coach Ben Ford. What began as a one-off event has since become a cherished annual tradition, bringing members together to support a different local charity each year.
The event continues as a lasting tribute to Toni, while providing valuable support to charities making a difference in the local community.
Julie Fuller, one of the club’s managers, explained how the fundraiser has developed over the years.
“We’ve now continued this as an annual legacy to her, and we pick a different local charity every year.”
For 2026, the club selected Mind in Bexley as its chosen charity, recognising the importance of supporting mental health and wellbeing within the local community.
“We try to look at local charities. We try to look at things that may be poignant to the club,” Julie explained.
With more than 1,000 adult and junior members, the club has a strong community spirit, something the charity cake sale is designed to celebrate.
Members were encouraged to contribute in whatever way they could, whether by providing cakes, making donations or simply coming along to enjoy a cup of tea and a conversation with others.
“We try to make it a community event,” Julie added.
Gina Coburn from the organising committee
Ben Ford and members of the committee
Supporting mental health in Bexley
Mind in Bexley provides a range of mental health and wellbeing services, helping people access support, build confidence, develop connections and improve their wellbeing.
The generosity of local individuals, organisations and businesses help support our work and reach more people across the borough.
Simon Dolby, Development Lead at Mind in Bexley, attended the event and thanked the club for its continued commitment to supporting local charities.
“What’s particularly special about this fundraiser is the story behind it. What began as a tribute to Toni has developed into a wonderful annual event that brings people together and supports important local causes.
“Community fundraising is about much more than raising money. It’s also about friendship, connection and looking out for one another, all of which play an important role in our mental health and wellbeing.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Ben, Julie and everyone at Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club for choosing Mind in Bexley this year. Their generosity will help us continue supporting people across our local community.”
The charity cake sale is another example of how local clubs and community groups can make a meaningful difference, combining fundraising with opportunities for people to come together.
Mind in Bexley would like to thank everyone who baked cakes, made donations, helped organise the event or came along to show their support.
The club’s continuing commitment to honouring Toni’s memory is a wonderful example of how a personal legacy can have a lasting, positive impact on the wider community.
If you would like to follow the example of Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club and help support mental health in the borough, please visit our Fundraising page for more information.
For more information about Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash and Racketball club, why not visit their website?
