Ollie Floyd - a tribute
There can be little preparation for a rugby family when you receive the news
that one of it’s most popular young member had died in a tragic accident.
On March 3rd 2015 Ollie (20) was using a spraying machine with his father at
the Celtic manor resort when the it tragically slipped into a lake and trapped
him. Both ground staff and fire crews battled to release him and get him to
hospital, but was tragically too late.
Ollie was a larger than life character, he was fanatical about rugby and loved
playing - he began his career at Drybrook and then moved on to Ross-onWye where his father coaches the mens senior section. Ollie remained a
popular friend to both those of Drybrook and Ross, which goes a long way to
explain his personality! Ollie was also a fantastic social member of the rugby
club, supporting all events, from the annual boxing day game between mature
cheeses and spring chickens right through, race nights, beach rugby and tour
and made sure he made the most of each and every event.
https://www.facebook.com/737535187/videos/10155462077050188/
It was no surprise that the a small selection of quotes below summed Ollie up
Brian Harris, Ross rugby club president, said he was "a very cheerful, popular
and a lively young man who lived life to the full”.
"The lives of many have been made richer through knowing him - he will be
greatly missed in the club."
Hartpury Principal Russell Marchant also paid tribute to the keen sportsman.
Ollie was on the rugby programme at the college before leaving in 2012.
"We were so sorry to hear the sad news about Ollie," he said. "He was a
popular student and a talented sportsman. The thoughts of everyone at
Hartpury College are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Ollies family insisted that the league match scheduled for the 7th March went
ahead, under beautiful blue skies and a huge crowd, Ollies father and
Grandfather, both who had played for Ross led the team out before blue and
white balloons were released followed by a minutes applause for such a lively
young man.
Ally Hunter-Blair posted on Facebook “Today I have watched Ross RFC play
some of the best rugby I've ever seen in the most glorious sunshine, with a
crowd bigger than you could ever imagine & danced in the Charlie until the
lights came on. It was all for you Ollie Floyd, I know you were watching down
on the Ross RFC family today. RIP my fellow ginger. Xxx”
Billy Russell said: "Ross Rugby Club, a team, a community, but more
importantly a family. We had tears, laughter and a whole other lot of emotions
spinning around”.
"Those boys on that pitch gave everything they had in memory of another
family member”.
The funeral of Ollie Floyd was held on Saturday 14th at 2:30pm at St John
the Baptist church at Upton Bishop. Both the church and the graveyard was
packed with people showing their respect to a friend and team mate. Within
the order of service was published a poem about Ollie, from Ross rugby club.
A MEMORIAL bench was established to honour Oliver Floyd at the Ross-onWye Rugby Football Club, in Greytree. The bench was unveiled by Ollie’s
parents, Nick Rawlings and Hayley Floyd, on Saturday, April 11th. Which was
made and supplied by Colin Bundy, a Rugby Club ex-captain,
On Saturday, April 25th at the Ross rugby awards evening Hayley Floyd,
mother of Ollie, presented the awards at the Club’s annual awards evening
for both the women’s and the men’s sections, It seemed fitting that the player
player was awarded to Ollie
Approximately £1000 was raised for charity at a golf fun day, on Saturday,
August 15th, at South Herefordshire Golf Club, held in memory of Ollie Floyd.
The aim of the event was set up to raise money to establish a memorial
bench for Ollie, to be established on the third hole of the golf course; where
Ollie once managed to get a hole in one.
The bench was made by Walford Saw Mills, a company based near Ross-onWye, and was donated to the Golf Club, free of charge. This meant that all of
the money raised can now go to the chosen charity.
Ollie’s friends, Mat Humphries and Chris Grendall, along with Chris’ dad,
Stuart Grendall, organised the event.
TEARS were shed as Ross-on-Wye came together to remember a 20-yearold rugby player at a special festival day.
Smile Fest took place on Sunday at the rugby grounds in Greytree in
memory of Ollie Floyd. The festival day included a memorial match between
Ross Rugby 15 and Forest Rugby 15, which included players from Drybrook
RFC where Mr Floyd started his rugby career- Forest Rugby won.
There was also live music, refreshments and rides and games for children.
Organisers and Mr Floyd's family were overwhelmed by the impressive
turnout.
Mr Floyd's dad, Nick Rawlings, said: "It goes to show what a lovely lad he
was. That many people kept talking about him and how much they missed
him.
Mr Rawlings added: "All the rugby lads have been outstanding. A lot of his
mates are still upset. They all feel it- a lot of tears were shed."
More than £3,000 was raised which will go to charity and some will go
towards putting on the event again next August, hopefully for two days.
Mr Rawlings added, on behalf of Ollie's mum, Hayley, and his brother, Tom,: "I
would like to thank everyone, close friends and all our friends and family for
all their support during this really difficult time.
"Every day is another day and we just need to keep going and remember
Oliver and keep going for him.
"The support makes it all feel unreal at times as everyone can't do enough.
We can't thank them enough for their love and support.”
https://www.facebook.com/Smile-FestRoss-on-Wye-887369534675541/