A CRICKET club is staging a charity family fun day in tribute to a popular player who died after being taken ill during a game.

Painter and decorator Ian Wycherley became unwell at a Haworth second XI match at the beginning of June, and died shortly afterwards in Bradford Royal Infirmary. He was 56.

Now Haworth Cricket Club is planning an event – on Sunday, August 25 – to celebrate his life and raise money to provide a defibrillator at the ground.

The event, which starts at 10am and runs throughout the day, will feature various short matches for juniors and seniors. Other attractions will include breakfasts, a barbecue, bar, prize draw, a bouncy castle and children’s games.

“The sudden loss of Ian hit everyone at the club very hard,” said a spokesman.

“We all felt we wanted to have an event to celebrate Ian and at the same time raise funds to help others in the future.

“The main aim is to buy a defibrillator.

“It would be a great thing to have at our ground to help any players or passers-by in need.”