Cricket tournament to be held in memory of Oswestry sportsman

Grant Litchfield, who played football and cricket for several teams in the area, died in January last year at the age of 55.

In his memory, friends Dave Hughes and Colin Turner have arranged a charity cricket tournament in aid of Nightingale House Hospice.

Colin, who worked with Grant and was a close friend of his, wants people to remember how loving and caring Grant was.

He said: "Grant was a terrific sportsman – he was really good at everything he did.

"He played for me at Morda Football Club, and he was brilliant there and at all sports whether that be cricket, golf or football.

"He was a very confident person – he came up to me in typical Grant style and asked me if I wanted to sign a good centre forward.

"He was a gentle giant in his attitude, he was a very strong bloke who took everything in his stride. He was a lovely lad and a very caring person. It's difficult to describe how calm a person he was – he was never ever flustered.

"When I got to know him and his wife, we spent a lot of time together and he also came to work for me.

"Ultimately, he was just an all-round good guy.

"I think why we want to remember him, is because he was taken far too early. It was such a huge shock, and he deserves to be remembered in style."

The tournament will consist of six teams, which Grant spent time playing for throughout his career, and there will be stalls, a bouncy castle and drinks and food available.

Colin added: "It's a day to celebrate Grant's life and what he gave back to the community.

"We're looking for sponsors and any help we can get now.

"We have formed a mini committee and are looking for as much help as we can get to raise money for Nightingale House.

"The work the staff do at the hospice is tremendous. I saw Grant when he was there and saw the work that they do.

"We don't want to ever be in that situation, but unfortunately life is as it is."

The event is set to take place on Sunday, August 30 at Oswestry Cricket Club.