Cricket fans were devastated to hear the news that George Summerside, known as 'Podge', sadly passed away last January.

Since his death, his family have challenged their grief by helping to support Chance to Shine, one of George's favourite charities.

Chance to Shine Regional Manager, Jim Love, recently met with the family. They presented him with a cheque for £1,300 which was raised by the second annual cricket match held in his name.

Jim said, "We are exceptionally grateful to George's family and the Barmy Army for their continued support. George's legacy will live on through the Chance to Shine children playing and enjoying the game that he loved.

The charity match was held at Wearmouth Cricket Club in Sunderland, and featured a team from The Howards Arms and The Jackson Pubs; both from the Wearside area. 

Paul Summerside, from Roker, said his brother George was inspired to help the charity through his fellow Barmy Army supporters.

He said, "Through them he got really involved with the charity, and when the Barmy Army toured he would organise charity cricket matches against people like the Australian Barmy Army and the press."

The England cricketers paid their respects to the retired firefighter by taking part in a minute's applause in his honour during the team's Test match with Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Inspired by George's popularity and passion for cricket his family including wife Yvonne and daughters Paula and Ashleigh  decided to organise the annual fundraiser. 

Money raised goes towards helping Chance to Shine's work in encouraging more schools to get youngsters playing cricket.

[Source: Sunderland Echo]