The Rob Bruniges Memorial Fund

On 6th February 2023 our friend, coach, former World Junior Champion and Olympian fencer Robert Bruniges sadly passed away. He was fortunate to have spent most of his life involved with fencing, a sport he was passionate about. He won the 1976 World Junior Championships, represented GBR in 3 Olympics (1976, 1980, and 1984), and many other competitions. Since then, as a coach, he has supported, advised and inspired countless athletes.

His partner and fellow fencing coach, Sandra Egginton wanted to create a fund to be benefit aspiring young fencers, in need of financial assistance, to honour Robs memory in the spirit of his life and work. Rob was an inspirational character within the fencing community.  As a coach he provided an endlessly cheerful, supportive and encouraging presence to his pupils. Along with Sandra, he always put his heart and soul into them. Rob’s unflinching belief in the younger fencers he worked with, made them believe in themselves. By treating them with unfailing respect and encouraging their input and ideas he taught them the value of sportsmanship.

It was Rob’s dream that every fencer should have an opportunity to reach their goal and potential, just as he did when he was younger. However, the costs to achieve such heights very often create an insurmountable barrier.  It was his wish to set up a fund to help such fencers, whether it was to flourish at regional, national or international events.

The fund was able to raise over £6,500 through generous donations within the fencing community, Rob’s fencing club Bath Sword Club and many members of Rob’s friends and family.  Although this fund is not limitless, we believe that with the right approach this fund can be used smartly and wisely to enable many young fencers to develop and take that giant step from national to international competitions.

The fund is typically going to award around £250 per applicant.  The main focus will be on those fencers who need financial assistance for the step from national competitions to international competitions.  Fencing in the U17 EFC and U20 JWC events require having FIE kit, expensive travel and hotel costs.  As much as we would love to fund every fencer and for every event we will be focusing on those that recently joined the GB international group.

If you wish to apply for the fund please download the form:  Microsdoft Word      pdf

Please take care completing this form and please ensure the information is as accurate and honest as possible.

In the first year of running this grant we will be running a later deadline of January 31st 2024.  However we are limiting the number of awards we issue each year. We will acknowledge a receipt of your application and will get back to you with a decision.
Should anyone wish to continue to donate to the Rob Bruniges Memorial Fund please visit the crowd funding page – Crowdfunding to Robert Bruniges Memorial Fund for Young Fencers 2024 on JustGiving

Further information can be reached by contacting Andrew Courtney (chairman@bathswordclub.co.uk).