At our recent Memorial Day, the first award given out was one that carries deep meaning for our club – the Mark Grix Award. This award, named in honour of Mark Sinclair Grix ("Grixy"), recognises a member of our club who best embodies the spirit, values and character that Mark showed throughout his life.

Mark grew up in Trimley St Mary and was a proud local lad who went on to live a remarkable life. He was a man of energy, humour, and heart – always curious, always determined, and always looking for ways to help others. Whether it was building gadgets as a child, representing Suffolk in rugby and shot put, serving with distinction in the police force, or training as a commercial pilot, Mark never stopped striving for more.

What stood out most was his willingness to give back. From his time with Felixstowe 356 Air Training Corps to his support of charities like Help for Heroes, Mark consistently put others before himself. He showed up, gave his time, shared his skills, and made those around him feel seen and supported.

This is exactly why we created the Mark Grix Award – to celebrate someone in our club who, like Mark, lives the values we believe in.

At Felixstowe Rugby, we follow our TREDS values:

• Teamwork – supporting each other, on and off the pitch
• Respect – treating everyone with fairness and dignity
• Enjoyment – playing with passion and positivity
• Discipline – committing to the game, the team and ourselves
• Sportsmanship – showing honesty and integrity at every level

Mark lived each of these values in his own unique way:

• He was a true team player, whether in uniform or in sport.
• He had deep respect for people from all walks of life.
• He found joy in learning, flying, laughing – and helping others do the same.
• He was determined and disciplined, never giving up, no matter the odds.
• And above all, he had the character and kindness of a true sportsman.

The recipient of the Mark Grix Award each year will be someone who leads by example, who brings people together, and who shows the same courage, compassion and commitment that Mark showed throughout his life.

Mark’s legacy reminds us that rugby is not just about the game – it’s about how we live, how we treat people, and how we show up for each other. That’s something we’ll honour every year, with pride.

Rest in peace, Grixy – your story lives on in every tackle, every laugh, every team huddle, and every handshake after the final whistle.