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2 October 2025  3 min read

Abingdon Eagles raise nearly £4,000 for brain tumour charity

From across Oxfordshire, Eagles fans flocked to Abingdon & Witney College to watch the club's basketball showcase, featuring All-Stars, Legends and a dunk contest, with all contributions raising funds after club coach Stevie Biltcliffe's father, affectionately known as 'Bubba', was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. 

"Last year, my dad, lovingly known to many as Bubba, was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer with no cure," Biltcliffe told Basketball England.

"Left untreated, life expectancy can be short, weeks, months, even only days. And despite its severity, treatment options in the UK haven’t changed or improved in 40 years.

"That’s why I decided it was time to do something big. Something bold. Something Bubba could be proud of, something that would help not him but those with the same diagnosis in the future. I chose to create something special for his basketball club and the Brain Tumour Charity."

And so the Abingdon Eagles All-Stars Charity Game was held on 14 June, featuring:

• Eagles Walkers – the club's walking basketball team who showed off their skill, heart, and serious competitive flair
• Eagles Legends – the heartbeat of the club, coaches past and present
• and All-Stars – players who flew the Eagles’ nest and came back to soar with the club once more

"Abingdon Eagles Basketball Club is more than a team—it’s a family," Biltcliffe added.

"Bubba and my mum, Linda, play on the walking basketball team, and their grandsons, French and Rocco, both started their basketball journey under the Eagles' wings, both supported by their dad, Coach Stuart, who continues to guide the next generation of Eagles.

"From local games to overseas tournaments, Bubba has cheered, celebrated, and lived every moment with the same joy and infectious laughter he's known for. 

"Every ticket was sold, every seat filled, and every person left smiling. The court was buzzing with energy, love, and purpose."

Club legend and head coach Steve Claringbould called it 'A very special occasion that will never be forgotten' and chairman Jason Crowther was said to have beamed with pride as he watched the club he helped build come together for something far greater than the game.  

"The Walkers amazed. The Legends inspired. The All-Stars dazzled," said Biltcliffe. 

"French Biltcliffe earned MVP honours, raining down threes, even a half-court stunner! Henry Fletcher soared his way to victory with perfect 10s from every judge in The Eagles Flight Club dunk contest. Our DJ, volunteers, media team, refs, table officials and donors were all next-level. The teams and merch shop rocked some seriously amazing apparel thanks to Always Ballin', and the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Charity Table was a huge hit too.

"We shattered every donation target we set, thanks to the generosity of Eagles, as well as friends and families, raising money for vital research."

The Eagles are still looking for donations and you can be made via the Just Giving page. 

Abingdon Eagles Showcase