A fundraiser has been set up by the family of former England cricketer – and Farsley Cricket Club stalwart – Ray Illingworth.
Pudsey-born cricket legend Mr Illingworth passed away aged 89 on Christmas Day.
He was as one of England’s most successful cricket captains, leading his side to a 2-0 Ashes series victory in Australia in 1970-71, and then retaining the Ashes at home in 1972.
He also enjoyed a successful domestic career with Yorkshire and Leicestershire, as well as playing 61 Tests for England between 1958 and 1973, scoring 1,836 runs and claiming 122 wickets.
Mr Illingworth, who had been undergoing radiotherapy for esophageal cancer, was one of the leading figures in English cricket for the best part of four decades as player, captain, commentator, administrator and coach.
His family has set up a GoFundMe page in lieu of flowers ahead of his funeral at St John’s Church in Farsley later this month.
The fundraiser has so far raised more than £1,500, with proceeds going to Leeds Cancer Centre at St James’s Hospital and the junior section at his beloved Farsley Cricket Club.
Mr Illingworth’s family wanted to thank the excellent team in the Oncology Department for their support over the past 18 months, while also ensuring the next generation of youngsters have the opportunity to achieve their sporting ambitions at Red Lane.
The fundraiser can be found here.