Disabled cricket pioneer Fred Wildgoose dies aged 80
Tributes have been paid to a retired cricketing stalwart who co-founded a pioneering group to ensure youngsters could still play the sport despite having a disability.
Fred Wildgoose, from Gobowen, died during the early hours of Thursday morning at the age of 80 after a long illness.
Mr Wildgoose and his twin brother Dick have been highly respected across the local area and wider afield for devoting practically all of their spare time to cricket for the disabled, and their organisation – the Cricket Federation for People with Disabilities – which had run matches at top grounds such as Lord's, and even organised a tour to India.
The brothers launched their disabled cricket programme in 1989.
Their Cricket Federation for People with Disabilities was royally recognised in 2006 as it was chosen as a winner of the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
The brothers and their wives Gerry, who was married to Fred, and Dick's wife Nita, went to Buckingham Palace for the royal reception.
In 2011 they were once again recognised for their voluntary work when they received an Outstanding Service to Cricket Award (OSCA) at a special ceremony at Lord's.
The award hailed their pioneering work in developing opportunities for people with different types of physical and learning disability to play the game through the foundation.
The brothers also passed on their coaching hints and tips in their own book – Cricket, the Wildgoose Way.
Mike Robinson, chairman of Oswestry Cricket Club, said Mr Wildgoose was "the funniest man you could meet".
"No matter what mood you were in or how miserable you felt, being around Fred cheered you up, he was just that sort of person. He lit up the room," he said.
Mr Robinson also spoke of his admiration for the brothers' work in establishing cricket for those with disabilities in Shropshire.
"They have done so much hard work for cricketers with mixed disabilities. They spent all their spare time doing it, they have been absolutely wonderful," he said.
"They've also been great supporters of the club, and were awarded life membership of the club."
People also posted messages on Oswestry Cricket Club's Facebook page following the news of his death.
The brother's life membership of the club was awarded to celebrate a lifetime with cricket – firstly as players, then with the club's junior members, and later on with the disabled cricket movement.
Mr Robinson said just last summer the pair celebrated their 80th birthday at the club.
A minute's silence will be held and both sides will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.
Mr Wildgoose leaves his wife Gerry, son David and his wife Joanne, sister Lilian, grandson Luke and brother Dick and his wife Nita.
