Hartlepool United Manager Dave Challinor has unveiled some of the names who will be representing his side in a special fundraising cricket match at Park Drive this Sunday (29 August).
The game between a Dave Challinor X1 and Hartlepool Cricket Club is being organised to remember Danny Shurmer and raise money to purchase defibrillators for the town.
Danny – a Park Drive favourite and huge Pools fan - sadly passed away suddenly from a cardiac arrest just days before Pools play-off final victory at Bristol in July.
Since Danny’s passing, his Mam and Dad (Pam and Bill) have formed a group to raise money to purchase defibrillators for public areas of Hartlepool in Danny’s memory. The group is called DS43Community Defibrillators.
Dave Challinor will lead his side out which will include newly signed goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell, who has been a regular at Park Drive for years and is handy with both bat and ball.
Other pools players set swap their blue and white shirts for cricket whites include club captain Nicky Featherstone, Mark Shelton and Ben Killip.
Dave Challinor’s 18-year-old son, Ethan, has also been selected and is looking forward to the game.
The Hartlepool Cricket Club side will be led by Peter Rhoden, a very close friend of Danny and Captain of the 2nd team that Danny played for. Tom Gavin, who recently led the 1st team to Kerridge Cup success is in the side alongside Jake Richardson, Olly Mole and James Piper.
Bill Shurmer commented: “Everyone I have spoken to is looking forward to the game and it’s great that the two clubs are coming together to remember Danny and raise vital funds.
“Initially, the group set a target of £3,600 to purchase three defibrillators but the support has been so good that we raised the target to ten defibrillators (£12,000). The current figure stands at over £11,000.
“Dave Challinor has been massively supportive personally and given Danny’s huge love for Pools, this has helped greatly to ease the pain for the family and his many friends at a very difficult time.”
Danny’s funeral was held at Park Drive and among the many mourners were his cricketing colleagues, ASDA work colleagues and Dave Challinor and his management team.
Bill Shurmer added: “All proceeds from the day will go to the defibrillator fund. There’s no doubt that defibrillators save lives, and we need as many as we can get around the town.”
The match gets under way at 2pm. Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for Under 12s.