Sam Sutton’s time at Pocklington School was relatively short, beginning at Lyndhurst and continuing into the Senior School before his family relocated to the Midlands. Despite this, he made an enthusiastic contribution to school life, particularly on the sports field. He played for notable Pocklington U12 and U13 cricket and rugby teams, and even stepped in for an OP cricket 3rd XI when it was shorthanded on the Summer OP Day, going out to bat in pads almost as big as he was!

Although Sam moved on to Oakham School, he maintained East Riding friendships and connections, including playing for Pocklington RUFC for two seasons while studying at the University of Bradford Business School. A keen sportsman throughout his life, Sam enjoyed rugby, cricket, golf, shooting, horse racing, and fine dining.

Back in the Midlands, Sam qualified as a chartered surveyor and established a successful commercial property consultancy, Phillips Sutton Associates. Alongside his professional achievements, he continued to enjoy sport and travel, supporting England teams around the globe, sponsoring Leicester Tigers, and celebrating success as a racehorse owner in the UK and France.

Sam was also committed to charitable causes, notably Hope Against Cancer. In 2015, he completed a challenging charity bike ride over the Alps from Geneva to Milan alongside former England and British Lions captain Martin Johnson. His family continues to support this charity in his memory: https://www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk/in-memory-of-sam-sutton.

Sam died peacefully after a short illness on 5 November 2025, aged 43.

(Phil Gilbank, 67-74)