Local cricketer’s legacy is making poorly kids' dreams come true

Reporter: Karen Doherty
Date published: 03 May 2016


AN event in memory of a cricketing stalwart has so far raised around £2,500 for two very special children’s causes.

Yesterday’s annual Trevor Lewis funday at Royton Cricket Club supported the appeal to send local four-year-old Millie Moran to Disneyland and the Make a Wish Foundation to grant dreams of children with life-threatening conditions.

Trevor ­— who once made national headlines by hitting six sixes in an over ­— was a much-loved member of the club for which he helped to raise £130,000 over 30 years.

But he was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer and died just two days before a funday organised by his family at the Bransdale Avenue club in 2014 in aid of Asbestos Victims Support and Mesothelioma UK. They have continued to hold the event every year alongside the Trevor Lewis Memorial Cup which had to be cancelled yesterday because of heavy rain.

Rare

But there was still lots of attractions including appearances by Elsa and Anna from “Frozen” and “Spider-Man”, tombolas, raffles, crafts, stalls and a singer.

Those who attended included Millie who was born with a rare form of spina bifida and hydrocephalus, chronic lung disease and is paralysed form the hip down.

Just over 12 months ago Millie almost died from a life-threatening lung infection. When she recovered, her gran Vicky Shaw promised her Frozen-loving granddaughter she’d do everything she could to take her to Disneyland.

Vicky has set up the Millie’s Dream appeal to raise money for the trip and said of the funday: “It’s fantastic ­— I can’t believe it.

“There’s a lot of things going on and lots of people have come out to support us. It will give a massive boost to the appeal.”

Trevor’s daughter, Gillian Taylor, added: “It’s brilliant, it really helps to keep dad’s memory alive.”

Club chairman Tony Spencer thanked everyone who attended or donated goods and said: “Everybody loved Trevor, no body had a bad word to say about him.

“He was a great man and is sorely missed.”

A charity dinner in aid of the Millie’s Dream takes place at St Herbert’s Parish Centre, Broadway, Chadderton, at 7pm September 30. Tickets cost £30 from Vicky on 07957-732 536.