A CHARITY cricket match is being held in Gresford in memory of a loving Dad and coach.

A devoted cricket fan, James Williams was born and raised in Wrexham and lived their most of his life.

He played the sport before coaching teams at the club in his later life.

Sadly, James lost his battle to cancer on June 21 of this year. Both Nightingale House Hospice and the Shooting Star Unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital were a "massive help" during his illness, said daughter Emily.

All proceeds from the event will be split between the two charities, to make a difference to other families going through a similar journey.

(Image: Shooting Star Cancer Support Unit)

Emily added: "Both these charities have been a massive help over the last 18 months not only helping out Dad but us as a family at a very difficult time.

"We cannot thank them enough and we want to give back as much as we can.

"Dad spent a lot of his time cricket playing while he was younger then went onto coaching the youth teams for years."

The cricket match will take place at the Gresford Cricket Club on Sunday, August 4 from 11am until 4pm. Everyone is invited to attend and raise crucial funds for two worthy causes.

James had worked in Sharps in Llay for years and was known to most as Jimmy. He then went on to working for himself as a gardener, another passion of his.

As well as his three children, Emily, Tomas and Ryan, James was the proud grandfather to Jacob and Ava.

His family miss him dearly and can think of no better way to honour his memory while thanking those at the hospital and hospice.