Page 13 - Oundle Life March 2025

MONEY
RAISING
£650 for local charity
Johnny Reynolds, an
extraordinary young athlete
from Oundle, was known for
his infectious smile and zest for
life. Tragically, he passed away in December
2023 at just 19 years old. In his memory,
Johnny’s family founded the Johnny Reynolds
Foundation, dedicated to giving
local children and young adults the
opportunity to realise their dreams in
their chosen sports.
Johnny’s first school, Laxton Junior
School (LJS), proudly supports the
Foundation and began its fundraising
efforts with a sports-themed day.
Staff and pupils wore their favourite
sports tops and donated in celebration
of Johnny’s passion for sport. From
popular football and rugby shirts to
unique representations like water polo and
taekwondo, the day was filled with excitement
as pupils shared their interests. The event raised
£655.19 for the charity.
Johnny was a valued member of Laxton
Junior School’s vibrant community. Not only
His infectious
positivity
and natural
camaraderie
left a lasting
mark on
everyone who
knew him
was he a gifted sportsman, but
he also embodied the school’s
ethos of enthusiasm, kindness,
and determination. When his family
established the Foundation, it was an obvious
choice for the school’s charity of the year.
Claire Henderson, who taught Johnny
during his time at LJS, explained, “At
school, Johnny– a kind, fun-loving,
and loyal friend– embraced every
opportunity with a beaming smile,
always prioritising participation and
enjoyment above all else. His infectious
positivity and natural camaraderie
left a lasting mark on everyone who
knew him. Seeing the Laxton Junior
School community unite in Johnny’s
memory is both a heartfelt tribute and
celebration of his passion for sport.”
The Foundation honours Johnny’s love for
sport by helping local young people achieve
their sporting dreams. Its first donation went
to 15-year-old Tristan, a rugby player for
Huntingdon Stags who suffered a spinal cord
injury last year. Tristan’s clubmates raised
13