GED Blaney was determined to leave a worthwhile legacy when he faced his own challenging battle with cancer.

A former Whitehaven Rugby League player, union activist, and always a proud father, Ged made a lasting and positive contribution following his diagnosis in March 2013 by setting up a Sellafield support group for other sufferers and their families.

He died in 2015 at the age of 49, and the support group that he set up is still making a real difference today.

And so too are Ged's family and many friends, who on Sunday took part in their third Ged Blaney Memorial Cricket Tournament.

It both honoured his memory and raised vital funds for the two West Cumberland Hospital (WCH) units where he was cared for. As on the previous occasions it was a huge success, said Ged's widow Lynne.

No fewer than 16 teams enthusiastically took part at Whitehaven Cricket Club, the participants including Ged and Lynne's sons Nathan, 21, and Luke, 18, as well as their 25-year-old daughter Rachael.

“Ged passed away in March 2015 after a two year battle with bowel cancer,” said Lynne.

Cricket enthusiast Phil McCormick set up the event as a tribute and to raise funds for the Henderson Suite (providing chemotherapy) and the Loweswater Suite (offering palliative care) at the Whitehaven hospital.

“Ged was looked after at both of these units and the staff were absolutely wonderful,” said Lynne. “Nothing was too much trouble. They're just wonderful, wonderful human beings. They were just so lovely.”

“When Ged was diagnosed he set up a cancer support group at Sellafield for workers there and their families, called Stronger Together. He got it up and running before he passed away and it's running now.

“I'm an honoury member.”

Sunday's tournament is likely to have raised at least £2,600, adding to last year's total of £4,000; and the first year total of £2,500.

It now appears to be an annual fundraising fixture in the town.

The earlier amounts raised have already made a huge difference, buying specialist fans – able to either hear or cool patients – as well as a specially designed recliner chair costing £4,000, which allows patients to enjoy some comfort. This year's fundraising should help pay for a second chair. “Patients are already benefiting from the first chair,” said Lynne.

As in previous years, this year's tournament was well supported, no doubt in part because Ged was so popular and well-known through his work at Sellafield and particularly through his sport, a lifelong passions.

It was supported also by the GMB union, Ged having been a keen and active member.

Those taking part included Ged's brother Lawrence and Lynne's brother Mike.

The winning team was Owen's Tesco Bag, featuring Whitehaven Cricket Club members; while the plate competition was won by a team from St Benedict’s Rugby Union.

Lynne thanked all of the organisers, Whitehaven Cricket Club, the many participants, and local business sponsors who donated raffle prizes.

In an earlier interview, Lesley Storer, an occupational therapist at the WCH, spoke of the difference the specialist first recliner chair has made, saying: “The chairs will make a huge difference to patients as they won’t have to stay in bed all day.”

Ged had also played amateur rugby league for Kells and Mirehouse, as well as St Benedict’s RUFC. He coached a Whitehaven Amateurs FC under eights side, taking them through until they were under 16s, winning the League Cup and the Celtic tournament along the way.