Photo by Life Thru Argo's Lens.
The annual roller derby tournament, organised by Nottingham Roller Derby, is held in memory of their teammate Louise Wright, aka Louisey Rider.
Louise was just 29 when she died after being hit by a lorry in 2014 as she cycled to work.
This year’s derby – the 11th Louisey Rider Cup – raised an incredible £5,541.68 for Brake, putting the total that has been raised since the inaugural event in 2016 at more than £45,500.
Tributes to Louise were held throughout the day, including the team names, which were all dedicated to things associated with her – such as Grandad Shoes, Charity Shop Chic and Odd Sox!
Players and spectators also cheered every time a team reached a score of 66 – the player number that Louise wore.
Everyone was dressed in a variety of fabulous outfits, with sequins and glitter in abundance. The sparkle on show was to honour Louise’s famed sequin gameday shorts, and her glittery gold helmet, covered with gems.
Six teams battled it out for the Louisey Rider Cup 2026. Photo by Life Thru Argo's Lens.
Roller derby is a fast-paced contact sport, growing in popularity and now played by more than 1,000 amateur leagues around the world. For this year’s Louisey Rider Cup, six teams battled it out in a series of ‘jams’, played on an oval track. ‘Jammers’ from each team race each other around the track, but first they have to make it past all the players in the opposing team – who try their hardest to stop them. Points are scored for every team-blocker the jammer passes, and at the end of the day, team Fanny Bunting was announced as a clear winner.
The event included a raffle with a pair of roller skates among the sought-after prizes, while the sale of t-shirts and other merchandise, as well as an array of delicious cakes and other treats also boosted the total raised from the event. Former Brake mascot Zac the Zebra also came out of unofficial retirement to join in on the fun, even refereeing part of the day’s action.
The energy and enthusiasm carried through into the after-party with a fun lip-sync battle karaoke competition.
Louise's mum Sharon handed out medals and the winner's trophy. Photo by Life Thru Argo's Lens.
Event organiser Ruth Gentle is certain that Louise would have been proud of the event. She said: “Louisey Rider Cup is so close to our hearts as it's a tribute to Lou's spirit and the joy she brought to everything. Lou wanted roller derby to be available to everyone and was always rallying the team to put on all sorts of events, from free game days to ‘meet the team events’ – and always with an after-party!
“It takes a lot of organising, but it's all worth it to see the joy it brings to skaters, spectators and volunteers alike. People from far and wide travel to Nottingham each year to take part. Skater tickets sold out within 15 minutes this year! It's a big day in the roller derby calendar, and it's fabulous to be a part of it.
“I just love how everyone throws themselves into the spirit of Louisey Rider Cup. So many sequins, so much joy, and so much roller derby. Louise would have loved it.”
Louise’s parents were guests of honour, with her mum Sharon handing out the medals and winner’s trophy. Brake’s community relationship fundraiser Emma Rowe and communications and marketing officer Anissa Lee went along to support and enjoy the day.
Former Brake mascot Zac the Zebra also came out of unofficial retirement to referee the tournament. Photo by Life Thru Argo's Lens.
Emma said: “It was such an honour to be able to attend the Louisey Rider Cup this year. Not only is it a beautiful tribute to Louise, but it's a celebration of community.
“Thank you to all the organisers and attendees for raising vital funds for Brake and supporting us over the years. It will make a huge difference to families who need help and support following a road crash.”