AN annual cricket fundraising day has been renamed in honour of one of its organisers who passed away earlier this year.
The Ged Blaney Memorial Day held on August bank holiday weekend at Whitehaven Cricket Club, will now be known as The Ged Blaney and Arthur Lamb Memorial Day.
Ged Blaney, a former Whitehaven Rugby League player, died in 2015 after a two-year battle with bowel cancer.
The event was created to raise funds for The Henderson Suite and Loweswater Suite at West Cumberland Hospital where Ged received treatment, as well as end-of-life care.
Arthur ‘Lambo’ Lamb was a key member of the committee who had helped to organise The Ged Blaney Memorial Day since 2015. He died suddenly at his Distington home in January.
As well as an active and well-loved cricket coach, he was also a dedicated local councillor and worked for the NHS.
Ged’s wife, Lynne, and children, Rachael, Nathan and Luke – wanted Arthur’s name and legacy to live on, alongside Ged’s.
A trophy will also be awarded in Arthur's memory at the event.
Lynne said: “He was always there to lend a helping hand. From sourcing equipment, marking out pitches, organising the umpires and even pouring a pint or two, nothing was ever too much for Lambo.
“He was a huge part of Whitehaven Cricket Club and his name and his legacy will live on through this event forevermore.”
Phil McCormick, of Whitehaven Cricket Club, said: “The Blaney family decided they would like to do that and the club supported it wholeheartedly.”
Since 2015, the event has raised over £50,000 and donations have included Dyson Fans, fridge/freezers, recliner chairs, iPads, Netflix subscriptions, soft drinks, snacks, blankets, thermometers, and care packages to both The Henderson and Loweswater Suites.
The Blaney family are in constant communication with the staff at West Cumberland Hospital and listen to their requests, before sourcing the goods, placing orders and delivering them.
If you would like to enter a team on Sunday, August 27, or donate a raffle prize, please contact Phil McCormick on 07828957604.
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