Cricket match in memory of Peter Docker raises over £1,800 for charity

The cricket match was a huge success

A cricket match in memory of local businessman Peter Docker has raised over £1,800 for charity.

The match between Rochdale and Norden cricket clubs raised a total of £1,836.33 for Blood Counts, which supports the haematology unit at Royal Oldham Hospital.

The atmosphere was very fun and light hearted with a cake stall, raffle, and music courtesy of DJ Dark Fruits. Two signed cricket bats were auctioned off from the England and Australian teams.

Peter’s daughter, Sarah, said: “The day was a huge success. The weather was beautiful, and the turnout was amazing. All the lads that played were brilliant, some had come out of retirement especially for the day, so they were great fun to watch.

“Although the day was filled with lots of emotions, I’m sure that the man main of the day was watching down with pride. 

“People were extremely generous: I can’t thank the organisers, the players, the club and everybody who supported us enough.”

Peter was well known at both Rochdale Cricket Club and Norden Cricket Club, having been on the committee and helping run one of the junior teams.

He died on 19 October 2017 after an accident resulted in a subdural haematoma. Peter, who had two rare blood disorders, was being cared for by the ward when he died unexpectedly, having been admitted for chemotherapy to treat leukaemia.

Peter ran the family stationery business, WH Dockers, with his brother from the age of 16, some 56 years of hard work. A very popular man, he didn’t retire and loved his work and getting out meeting people.

The Blood Counts charity was launched in March 2017 to raise funds for additional equipment and enhanced facilities in the unit, which treats patients with chronic long-term blood disorders and blood cancer.