The Annual Bellingham Cup, played for in memory of former University of Canberra Stars footballer Aaiden Bellingham, continues to raise huge amounts of money for their chosen cause and the 2022 edition was no different.

Proceeds from the event are donated to the Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology research at Centenary Institute with close to $15,000 so far being donated. The Centenary Institute is grateful to be the beneficiary of funds raised through The Bellingham Cup and appreciates the awareness generated for this life saving cardiovascular research.

“The Bellingham Cup is not only a wonderful tribute to Aaiden, but an invaluable opportunity to spread the word about the importance of medical research in the area of sudden cardiac death in the young,” Adrian Bellingham, speaking on behalf of the Bellingham family commented.

“Photographs of the event always make us smile and enable us to remember Aaiden’s spirit.”

Aaiden Bellingham was a much loved young man who, because of a sudden cardiac episode was sadly taken from his family and friends in 2017 at the age of 24.

Fondly known as ‘Skittles’ Aaiden was a well-known and much admired member of the University of Canberra Stars Football community (formerly UC Pumas) and had been recognised as their ‘Club Person of the Year’ in 2016.  Following his passing, the following year, the UC Stars renamed the award in Aaiden’s memory.

In 2018, the then President of the UC Pumas Paul Davidson initiated the Bellingham Cup, a gala day for current and former members of the club to kick off the season in Aaiden’s memory.

The club now joins Aaiden’s parents, Adrian and Meg, sister Ashleigh, extended family, club, and community members as the driving force behind The Bellingham Cup. The gala day has developed into a successful fundraiser with both local and corporate support.