CRICKET stumps will be painted pink at the weekend in memory of a beloved chairman who died last year following a battle with cancer.

Marek Grabowski was chairman for Burbage and Easton royal Cricket Club and died last October, after being diagnosed with the illness.

Teammates and supports of the club were inspired to remember his service by donning pink caps and playing a series of matches this weekend (May26 27)

The match will be played against Cheltenham CC 1st XI and has even more significance because the money raised will go to Focus Trust Fund, which raises funds for the Cheltenham Oncology Unit, where Mr Grabowski received treatment.

Club chairman Tom Wallbridge said: “It’s been fantastic, everyone has got behind the event.

“Marek would have loved it, he loved watching the club flourish and I’m sure the weekend will be a great event at the club.

“It ties in really nicely because he received treatment from Cheltenham and it is their team we are playing. It’s even on a bank holiday.

“He was instrumental in getting the Glebe field up and running which is where our third and fourth teams plays.

“We have been looking for a fitting tribute to Marek and whilst watching the Ashes series in the winter, we were inspired by the Pink Test in aid of the McGrath foundation. The idea is simple, the players all wear pink caps, the stumps are pink and everyone in attendance wears as much pink as possible.”

During his time as chairman, one of Mr Grabowski's biggest achievements was setting up Glebe Field, where third and fourth teams now play.

The area had been a piece of agricultural land but was transformed into a cricket field in 2015, after a four years campaign led by Mr Grabowski.

Because of his instrumental role in opening the ground, Glebe Field became the obvious location to host a friendly match on Sunday (May 27) against on his friends from Putney who make up Fawe Park Road Cricket Club.

Supporters were urged to wear pink at the matches which start at 12.30pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday.