A MATCH and fun day at a Worth Valley cricket club for a seriously ill member of the club has raised nearly £7,500 for charity.

Oxenhope Cricket Club staged and hosted the event at its ground in support of village resident Darren Hopkinson, 48, who has lymphoma cancer.

Keith Yates, secretary at the club, said: “Darren has been battling the disease with courage and bravery since early this year.

“He comes from a long line of Oxenhope cricketers with his grandfather, father and now his son playing for the club.

“After outstanding performances in the juniors he broke into senior cricket in his early teens and has been the outstanding player at the club for over 30 years.

“He is an aggressive opening batsman, scoring many centuries for the club, a part time bowler and stumper and a genuine all-rounder. He has been our club captain for many years.

“As well as gracing the cricket field for his home village Darren also starred on the football field as goalkeeper, and on occasions centre forward.”

The event at the club on September 4 featured a 20-over cricket match between under 20s players and a veterans team comprising Darren’s former team mates.

This was preceded by a “brave the shave”, where the players had their heads shaved in support of Darren, who lost his hair when undergoing treatment.

The head shave raised almost £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

There was also a raffle which alone raised more than £750.

Cream teas, burgers and hot dogs were served by the ladies of the club, with the majority of the food donated by local businesses or made by Oxenhope residents. Further cash was generated by a promises auction.

Mr Yates added: “After a wet night the night before, the ground was a bit soggy but the match went ahead regardless with hundreds turning up to support the event.

“Things got a lot muddier when a storm of apocalyptic proportions hit the ground between innings leaving the wicket a lake!

“Undaunted, the ground staff and players set to work to clear the water and spectators remained despite the deluge.

“The match eventually resumed with both sides claiming victory, which mattered little as the total amount raised is approaching the £7,500 mark which Darren and his family will distribute amongst charities, including Macmillan and the Oncology Department –Ward Seven – at Bradford Royal Infirmary which has cared for Darren during his treatment.”