Tonbridge Lions Celebrate Community Champion at Skinners' Day

Tonbridge Lions Club was proud to attend Tonbridge School's annual Skinners' Day celebrations on Saturday 4 July, where the Club's Service to the Community Award was presented to an outstanding young fundraiser.

VP Tom Simmons and his wife Vanessa represented the Club at the prize-giving ceremony, which marked both the end of the school year and the founding of Tonbridge School in 1553. Around 500 guests, including pupils, parents, staff, members of the Skinners' Company and prize benefactors, attended the ceremony.

Following the awards, Tom and Vanessa met this year's Lions Service to the Community Award recipient, Luke Coll, together with his parents.

Luke was recognised for his remarkable fundraising efforts in support of ovarian cancer charities. Over the past four years, he has raised more than £15,000 by selling thousands of doughnuts, demonstrating exceptional commitment to helping others.

Lion Tom congratulated Luke on his achievements and wished him every success as he prepares to study Economics and play rugby at Brown University in Massachusetts later this year, joking that his doughnut-selling talents would be well appreciated in the United States.

During the meeting, Luke and his parents were keen to learn more about Tonbridge Lions Club and the many projects it undertakes throughout the year to support local charities and the community.

Tom said: "Luke is a charming, modest and inspiring young man whose dedication to fundraising is truly impressive. It was a pleasure for Tonbridge Lions to recognise his outstanding service to the community."

The Club extends its congratulations to Luke and wishes him every success in his future studies and continued charitable work.

Lion Lady Vanessa Simmons, Luke Coll and VP Lion Tom Simmons