Evan Rothwell's loss is a tragedy, unthinkable and unspeakable, and the ripples of grief and pain are resonating through our community, our club family, because only families can begin to appreciate the devastation of a situation such as this.

Evan was a member of our U11 squad - he was a proud 'lightning Lion', the winner of player of the year in the 2023 season. I've known him since he was born, my boys have been close friends with him from babes, and he's been a member of Boughton Hall since Reception when our outfield is swarmed with little people enjoying their first experience of The Best Game In The World. He's sat in the back of my car to countless away games, and reminded numerous teammates to bowl a 'wicket ball' and 'send the bails to Wales!'

Evan was - and this is not hyperbole - utterly and unfailingly delightful. I've never known a child to smile as much as Evan did, constantly and unashamedly. I remember the first time he attempted to run in pads, gloves and a helmet when we moved to hard-ball, like a startled penguin, making it about 18 yards before tripping over the pads. He dusted himself down, gave a beaming smile and giggle, and said 'that's harder than it looks'. Yes, Evan, indeed it is. It was Evan to a tee: this challenge was something new to be enjoyed and embraced, something to apply his boundless curiosity to. Evan wanted to know what, why, when and how and he did so because he marvelled at the world and how it worked, and he was a ray of sunshine within it.

The sadness and shock in our squad - for both parents and children - at losing this ray of sunshine is real and visceral. The arms of our squad want to extend around James and Katie, and Evan's little sister Juliet, to attempt to bring them solace and care in this most painful of times, just as we all as parents hug our own children all the tighter.

Evan was simply an utter joy, and he will be missed so deeply.

A memorial service for Evan is being planned in December which will be open to all (and aimed at children) - more details to follow. When the new season arrives we will also organise an opportunity for our squad to remember their friend and teammate.

Evan's memorial will be on Saturday 14th December, 11am, at St. Werburgh's Church. It will be aimed at and suitable for children/young people.

You can donate to remember Evan and donate to charities which mean a lot to his family through the link below.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/evanrothwell