Jack O’Donnell was a great athlete who was fortunate enough to find a sport he loved, and to receive the support he needed to enable him to achieve his potential.

Tragically, in the summer of 2010, just as Jack was looking forward to his 16th birthday, he suffered a fatal accident. Despite medical efforts Jack passed away on the 27th of July 2010.

The Jack O’Donnell Foundation’s primary aim is to give other children the inspiration and financial support that Jack received, so that they too can achieve their potential in the sport they love. It is also our aim to fund life changing/saving medical treatment to young people who are in great need, just as Jack was.

Jack was a young man who loved to play and support many sports. He loved football, especially his beloved Manchester United. Albeit talented in many sports, Jack’s gift was for Ice Hockey for which he had a driving passion.

He played his first game out on the rink when he was just 8 years old, and his too-brief career grew from strength to strength. After a couple of seasons at Oxford City Stars, he moved to the Swindon Wildcats. His commitment was as strong as his talent, and with great facilities and coaching, Jack flourished.

Jack represented the South West of England and also went on to play for England. He trained and played as much as possible visiting many counties and countries along the way. Jack’s skills as a player and a leader were rewarded with the great honour of becoming captain of his country at junior level. Jack decided to become a professional ice hockey player and left school after his GCSEs in the summer of 2010. He was due to start his apprenticeship with the Swindon Wildcats senior team after the summer holidays.