By Isle of Wight Observer
More than £10,000 has been raised for Mountbatten Isle of Wight at a memorial cricket tournament, held in honour of well-known Island cricketer and solicitor, Ian Heal, on the first anniversary of his death at the age of 50.
The event, organised by Ian’s family and his club, Carisbrooke High School Old Boys, attracted a crowd of over 500 people, with some travelling from across England, Scotland and the Netherlands to attend.
Teams representing Ian’s family, Carisbrooke High School Old Boys CC, university friends, the Isle of Wight Law Society, and Porchfield CC – who hosted the day – took part in the tournament. Funds were raised through donations, a grand raffle with over 100 prizes, an all-day barbecue, and the sale of cakes and sweets.
Porchfield CC won the Ian Heal Celebration Cup, which was presented by members of Ian’s family. But, as Ian himself would have said, “Cricket was the winner,” with the day bringing so many people together in his memory.
A club spokesman said: “Ian’s family and friends are delighted that such a huge amount was raised for Mountbatten Isle of Wight. It means others can receive the same amazing care that Ian and his family did.”
Donations can still be made via iw.observer/old-boys.