A FUNDRAISING cricket tournament in aid of a charity that has helped a Barnoldswick cancer sufferer will be held on Sunday.

Barnoldswick Cricket Club will host an eight-a-side cricket fun day to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Trust, an organisation that is helping former cricketer Ian Scothern receive a second stem cell transplant to treat his multiple myeloma.

"Ian has fought this disease since he was diagnosed with it eight years ago," said older brother David Scothern, of Barnoldswick.

Ian, 48, a company director at the family-owned electrical retailer Harry Garlick, has undergone many rounds of chemotherapy treatment to keep the disease at bay.

Then six years ago, Anthony Nolan provided a matched donor for Ian and he underwent a successful stem cell transplant.

David said this served him very well up until recently, and he now requires another transplant.

David's wife, Andrea, explained that Ian is having steroid treatment to prepare him for the second transplant, which is due to be carried out at Leeds General Infirmary in September.

She said: "The reason why we're doing this is to say thank you to the Anthony Nolan Trust because they are treating Ian twice."

David said that they also want to raise awareness about the need for more stem cell donors, as both of Ian's donors live abroad, the first was from America and his next donor is from Germany.

"For all the people who require a match, only about half of them are able to get a donor match," said David.

Six Ribblesdale League clubs have been confirmed to be taking part in the cricket fun day, including Barnoldswick, Earby, Settle, Great Harwood, Padiham and Whalley.

The games will be a short eight overs a side, so David encouraged players past and present "to go in a have a bash."

"It's all geared at trying to hit the ball out of the ground," he said.

David and Andrea said: "We'd like to thank the cricketing community, family and friends who are supporting the event , not only everyone who will be playing in it but also those behind the scenes who will make it happen."

The event starts at noon and will be held at Barnoldswick Cricket Club. There will be a barbecue.

For those that cannot attend on the day, donations can also be given by visiting justgiving.com/David-Scothern2