Bishops Cleeve Football Club will wear a one-off purple kit during their home match against Winchester City FC on 21 February 2026, in support of the Hollie Gazzard Trust and to mark twelve years since the murder of Hollie Gazzard.
Hollie was murdered by her ex-partner on 18 February 2014 in the place where she worked. Prior to her death, she had been subjected to domestic abuse, violence, stalking and coercive control. Her murder brought national attention to the devastating impact of abusive relationships and the urgent need for education and early intervention.
We work across the UK to prevent future tragedies by delivering educational programmes that help young people and adults recognise the warning signs of abusive behaviour. The Trust works with schools, colleges, universities, workplaces and community groups to raise awareness of domestic abuse, stalking and coercive control.
The matchday initiative will be followed by a fundraising quiz, with all activity aimed at increasing awareness and supporting the ongoing work of the Trust.
The shirt will be available to purchase, with details on that to be shared in due course.
The partnership also reunites two former Cheltenham Town FC teammates from the 1980s: Nick Gazzard OBE, Hollie’s father and founder of the Trust, and Paul Collicutt, Manager of Bishops Cleeve FC. Their shared history adds a powerful personal connection to the collaboration.
Speaking about the initiative, Nick Gazzard OBE said: ‘’Continuing to raise awareness remains critical, even twelve years on, as education is key to preventing future abuse and saving lives. We’d like to thank all at Bishops Cleeve for helping to shine a light on these issues. The kit looks great and we look forward to working with the club.’’
‘’Thank you also to Bishop Cleeve’s main shirt sponsor, La Vecchia Banca, for allowing the Hollie Gazzard Trust to have the space for this one-off match. In addition, thank you to Winchester City FC and the Pitching In Southern Football League for also agreeing to this kit change.’’
Paul Collicutt said: ‘’Nick and I have been friends for a long, long time now since we were teammates at Cheltenham Town. I always remember him coming through as a youngster with the nickname “The Flyer” due to his pace. Unfortunately injuries took their toll and stopped him from having a more successful career within football.’’
‘’We’ve remained in touch and we even worked together for a while too. Away from football, Nick is the ultimate family man and no father should ever have to go through what he has, and I’m always happy to help in any way I can with the trust set up in Hollie’s honour.’’
Bishops Cleeve FC and the Hollie Gazzard Trust will continue working together beyond the fixture on a range of awareness and community projects, reinforcing the message that domestic abuse and stalking are societal issues that require collective action.
***If you would like to attend the quiz (6 people per team, £5 per person) please email facilities@bishopscleevefc.co.uk ***