Basketball Community Unites to Honour Lee Linton-Hodges at Inaugural Tribute Event
- Admin
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
The basketball community will come together on Saturday 1 August to celebrate the life and legacy of Lee Linton-Hodges at the inaugural Lee Linton-Hodges Tribute Event, taking place at 3:00pm at Copleston Sports Centre, the home of Ipswich Basketball Club.
Lee tragically passed away in October 2025 after suffering a sudden heart attack. Following further investigation, it was revealed that Lee had been living with Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM), a rare inherited heart condition that can often go undiagnosed.
In the weeks following his passing, the basketball community rallied around Lee’s family, raising more than £31,000 in an incredible show of support. Now, friends, teammates, coaches and rivals from across the National Basketball League are once again coming together—not only to celebrate Lee’s remarkable life and career, but also to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation and Child Bereavement UK, supporting children and young people who have experienced the loss of a parent.
The tribute game returns to the place where it all began. Lee’s distinguished 20-year National League career both started and finished with Ipswich Basketball Club. Along the way, Lee also represented Barking Abbey Basketball Academy, Essex & Herts Leopards, Essex Rebels, and Hemel Storm, earning the respect and admiration of teammates and opponents alike wherever he played.
Fans can expect a showcase of some of the biggest names to have graced the National Basketball League over the past two decades. The game will feature players who shared the court with Lee throughout his career, including Sam Newman, Joe Hart, Elvisi Duscha and Veron Eze, alongside many more stars from both past and present.
Adding to what promises to be a memorable afternoon, two of the UK’s most respected coaches will lead the teams. Former Barking Abbey Head Coach Lloyd Gardner, who worked closely with Lee for many years, will take one sideline, while Nick Drane, Lee’s long-time coach, mentor and friend at Ipswich Basketball Club, will lead the other.
The event is being sponsored by Iron Island and TMB, both companies giving generously in support of such a great cause.
The day’s activities begin from 1:00pm, when teams arrive for practice sessions ahead of the 3:00pm tip-off (Doors open at 2:30pm). Spectators can also enjoy food and children’s entertainment before the game, making the event an afternoon for the whole family.
Admission is just £5, with every ticket helping to support two charities whose work reflects Lee’s story and legacy. Whether you knew Lee personally, watched him play, or simply want to support two outstanding causes, everyone is encouraged to attend and be part of what promises to be a fitting celebration of a much-loved player, teammate, husband, father and friend.
For those unable to attend, donations can also be made via the event’s GoFundMe page:
Event Details
Lee Linton-Hodges Tribute Event
Date: Saturday 1 August
Venue: Copleston Sports Centre, Ipswich
Doors Open: 2:30pm
Tip-off: 3:00pm
Admission: £5
Join us as we celebrate Lee’s life, honour his legacy, and continue supporting the causes that can make a lasting difference for other families.
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