The family of Harry Pilling, former cricketer for Lancashire County Cricket Club, have requested that any donations in lieu of flowers at his funeral be donated to M.S.A. Harry passed away on Saturday 22nd September after a short illness, aged 69.

Harry was a true Red Rose legend in his heyday.

He was a stalwart of the Lancashire side in the 1960s and 1970s and was a key member of the successful one-day teams from that era and was a key member of the one-day wonder team which won the Gillette Cup in 1970, ‘71 and ‘72 as well as the John Player League in 1969 and 1970.

At just 5ft 3in, he became known as ‘Little Harry’, but he was a true giant of Lancashire cricket, amassing 15,279 runs and 25 centuries in a first-class career spanning 18 years. He was a really good cricketer, but more than that he was a good team man and a real character. Harry always had a smile on his face and had a very infectious laugh.

“He was Lancashire through and through.

Harry had many excellent qualities, he was hardworking, honest and a reliable man just likes my former work colleague Eric Armitage who has been suffering from MSA for over 5 years.

This devastating, horrible cruel disease has robbed Eric of his life as there is to date no cure. ONLY 3000 people in the UK have this disease each year.

Eric has spent his life helping others - he was a Training Mentor for adults with learning difficulties until finishing work through ill health being diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy

Prior to his diagnosis he was a keen footballer, woodwork teacher and badminton player and has been involved in lots of youth work in Rochdale.

Eric now has to rely solely on other people for every aspect of his life. He is an shining example to others in how he is coping with this disease with dignity and at times humour.

So please dig deep and donate now.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE