MEMBERS of a South Derbyshire cricket club are to pay tribute to a popular former groundsman a year on from his death.
Ted Shaw, the former chief groundsman at Lullington Park Cricket Club, collapsed and died on the club’s grounds in March last year, and to mark the anniversary of his death, the men usually tasked with making runs will be taking a walk.
Mr Shaw, 72, had been a lifelong member of the club and despite the efforts of air ambulance staff, he could not be revived.
Members of the club will take part in a 10-mile walk on April 7, with the event expected to attract in excess of 50 participants who will tackle the route which will begin and end at the cricket club, passing nearby villages including Netherseal and Clifton Campville.
The walk is becoming something of a tradition at the club, with this being the third year that club members are taking part for various good causes. Following the tragic death of Mr Shaw, the club decided to dedicate this year’s event solely to their former friend and colleague.
As well as to mark the passing of their much-loved groundsman, members at Lullington also wanted to do something to support the service which came to Mr Shaw’s aid on the day, albeit to no avail, with all proceeds from the event to be donated to the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, which relies on funding from grants and donations.
Club member Andrew Goodwin, one of the event’s organisers, said: “Ted was a big figure around the club, so after the air ambulance flew in when he collapsed, it was a fairly obvious choice who we would be raising money for this year.
“It costs them however much every time they launch, it’s a good charity to raise money for. We’re hoping to have more than 50 people involved.”
Anyone wanting to take part should email Mr Goodwin on andrewjgoodwin@gmail.com
People can also donate at http://www.justgiving.com/walkinthepark2013
