Tom Uses Love for Soccer To Host Tournament in Support Cheshire Home Stay

Photo Credit: The 5 Aside Soccer Tournament Fundraising via Facebook

A violent robbery left Tom Sundawo paraplegic. However, this story is not a sad one, but rather one of how a man’s reliance shone through following an unforeseen, life-altering event and how he went on to inspire many through his go-getter spirit and love for soccer.

Johannesburg, South Africa (08 April 2025) – Tom Sundawo was the victim of an armed robbery at his place of work, where he was shot in the head, leaving him a paraplegic.

He could have easily lost all hope, but he didn’t. Instead of succumbing to despair, Tom, now a valued resident at the Ann Harding Cheshire Home, has become an inspiration to all who know him.

See, while Tom received a payout from the workmen’s compensation fund, it is not enough to cover his monthly costs to stay at the Ann Harding Cheshire Home. Tom’s family are also not in South Africa, so he looks after himself financially by working for a company in the automotive sector. This alone is admirable, but Tom still finds himself short every month on his rental at the Cheshire Home.

Being the go-getter that he is, Tom started an annual soccer tournament many years ago, which is still running today, to help raise funds to cover his arrears at the Home.

The 5-Aside Soccer Tournament played at Old Parks Sports Club has also introduced netball in the past few years.

Good Things Guy connected with Tom, who shared that starting the soccer tournament was something close to his heart because, as a child, he always loved the sport but sadly couldn’t play it due to having asthma.

“When I needed to find a way to raise funds for my stay at Ann Harding, two of my friends suggested we try a soccer tournament. We decided on 5-Aside soccer and contacted the Old Parks 5-Aside Indoor Soccer venue, who agreed to help us.

“This event has helped me to meet many new people, have fun, and of course raise funds for my stay at Ann Harding. I am very grateful to everyone who helped me to make this event possible,” Tom tells us.

The spirit of the tournament is all about supporting Tom, and participants don’t need to be professional soccer or netball players to take part.

It’s a day filled with fun, food, family and great sport all to support a great man with an inspiring and relentless spirit.

The sport event will be held on Saturday 26 April at 1 Garden Road, Bordeaux, Old Parks Sports Club in Randburg.

Sports enthusiasts, organisations and businesses keen to enter as a team, support the cause and help Tom settle his account can contact Ann Harding Cheshire Home’s Fundraising manager, Jackie Kyle at [email protected] or call 011 792 3510.