Ian Lewis-Jones
Ian Lewis-Jones
1973 – 2007
Sadly, shortly after the team picture below was taken Ian Lewis-Jones collapsed and died whilst on the field.
Team from left to right:
Brian Unwin, Graham Marsh, Colin Mitchell (capt), Nigel Evans, Ian Lewis-Jones, Ian Hillier.
Matt Coombs, Derek Johnson, Andy Knox, Joe Grimstead (guest), Alistair Hedderwick.
Ian Lewis-Jones had not only played cricket for GBTCC since 2005 but was also a 6 handicap golfer and had won Gold medals playing golf at World (Sydney) and British Games. He was team manager for the Wythenshawe Sports Team and also played in the UK volleyball team. Through his sport he made many friends and was engaged to be married to Claire Downer who is also a UK team member. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
ILJ was great fun, never a dull moment and if something bugged him or was not being done properly he would speak up and have his say. I admired him greatly for that even if we sometimes disagreed.
Colin Mitchell our captain penned the following to Ian’s dad and I hope they won’t mind me reprinting it here….
“Ian had played for us on and off for three years. He was a great team-mate – fun to be with with, full of enthusiasm and determined to do his best for himself and the team. Against the Australians last summer (2006) and again this Whitsun he excelled himself and made a real contribution to our games, especially in his committed and athletic fielding.
He played for us on Whit Monday against Hinton Charterhouse CC and was unluckily ran out but fielded like a demon. He enjoyed himself so much that he asked to play the following day against Huish & Langport CC. In the nets before the game he batted so well - just like we knew he could – that I asked him to bat number 4 for us. Unfortunately after bowling a couple of gentle but disciplined overs for us in the field he collapsed.
His team-mates worked hard to resuscitate him, as did the paramedic, local doctor and the air ambulance crew but without success.
We can only imagine how devastating this must be for you.
We shall not forget Ian. He was one of the good guys and a son to be proud of.”
