A MEMORIAL hockey match and golf competition is being held in Flintshire next month. 

The events will celebrate the life of a Flintshire woman described as having "a heart full of love" whilst also raising money for Deeside Community Hospital. 

Jean Spence was a keen member of Buckley Hockey Club and Mold Golf Club for many years and is said to have had a "huge passion" for the game before she died from a heart attack on March 20, 2020, aged 61; just days before the UK was plunged into what would be the first lockdown.

As a result, just seven members of Jean's family were able to attend her funeral.

With the restrictions in place at the time now a thing of the past, Jean's family with the help of Buckley Hockey Club and Mold Golf Club are coming together to celebrate her life. 

A memorial hockey match will take place at Buckley Leisure Centre on Saturday, April 1 at 10.30am following a balloon launch which will take place prior to the match, with all of Jean's family and friends invited to come along to pay their respects. 

Meanwhile, coinciding with the memorial match taking place, Mold Golf Club will be holding a memorial competition from 9am, with Jean's husband, Colin and his team being the first to tee off as Jean was also a keen golfer. 

The presentation for the competition will then take place at 7pm at the golf club followed by a buffet and disco karaoke - 'just as mum would have loved', said her daughter Emma. 

The Leader: Emma Heaton and mum, Jean SpenceEmma Heaton and mum, Jean Spence (Image: Emma Heaton)

Throughout the day, the snug area of the Mold golf club will also be put aside to show photos and a video loop celebrating Jean's life. 

All proceeds will go towards Deeside Community Hospital which was where Jean worked up until her passing. 

Jean's daughter, Emma Heaton, said: "She was a keen hockey player and golfer, she played for years and years and was a big part of Buckly Hockey Club, which I still play for.

"Anyone that knew mum, or wants to come and pay their respects are more than welcome to come along. 

"We thought about doing this, but even a year on from mum's passing there were still restrictions in place so now we are at a point where we're safe to go all out like she deserves. 

"The first of April will mark three years to the day of her funeral.

OTHER NEWS 

"The memorial match at Buckley will be legends versus current girls so there will be a lot of what I would, respectfully call, 'mum's era' of girls." 

"People are welcome to come along even if they don't want to be involved in the sporting side of it, they can come and cheer us on, or come for the balloon launch, and obviously the evening 'do'."

The Leader: Jean Spence and husband, Colin. Jean Spence and husband, Colin. (Image: Emma Heaton)

Any family, friends, or members of the Mold golf club who would like to take part in the memorial competition can find out more by contacting Emma.