Gareth tribute match still on (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Gareth tribute match still on

A FAMILY grieving the sudden death of their son this year have been hit by another tragedy.

Gareth Anslow, 34, suffered a seizure at the wheel of his car, which then crashed in Drakes Way on January 5.

He was on his way to work at the Honda plant in South Marston.

A memorial cricket match will take place tomorrow at 2pm at Wootton Bassett Cricket Club at the Gerard Buxton sports ground in Rylands Way.

It will go ahead in spite of the death of Thelma Anslow, Gareth's mother, this week.

She had suffered from ill health since her son's death.

Cricketers from the club will be playing against some of Mr Anslow's former workmates from Honda.

Cricket club president Bert Davey said: "We were devastated when we heard about his death.

"With it coming as it did, so suddenly, we simply weren't prepared."

Mr Davey paid tribute to a dedicated and popular club member.

"I have been associated with the club for more than 30 years and I can't remember another member who attracted such respect. He also put in 100 per cent effort and was an excellent example to younger members of the club."

At the match, Honda will be presenting a pavilion bench to the club in memory of their former colleague.

The club has commissioned the Gareth Anslow Memorial Shield to serve as a permanent reminder.

This will be presented to the best club member each year.

"The fact the shield bears Gareth's name will be a reminder of just how tough it is to win the award," said Bert.

Mr Anslow's family, including his father, Ralph, are travelling to Wootton Bassett from Porthcawl, in South Wales, to watch the match.

The club is encouraging people to come and watch the match.

At the time of his son's death, Ralph Anslow said: "He was a great lad, who loved his cricket and soccer."

Mr Davey added:"Hopefully it will display in some small way to Gareth's family, the affection we all had for him," said Mr Davey.

"It will be a celebration of his life and show just how privileged we feel to have been associated with it."