A cricket club has honoured a long-time fan who raised thousands for local charities by holding a memorial service for her on Tuesday.
Somerset County Cricket Club (SCCC) held a memorial for Mary Elworthy-Coggan, who passed away in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, on 15 November, aged 90.
Her love for cricket came initially when her father and first husband both captained the local club, Huish Champflower.
Andy Caddick, former England and Somerset fast bowler, said: “For more than 30 years Mary was a big part of our family and, along with Mike, watched our children grow and they toured the world with us.”
He added: “There was a strong bond between us and they were like surrogate parents to us when we were in the UK.”
Ms Elworthy-Coggan made teas and scored for the club, a duty that she relinquished in 2010.
In 2016, she became president of West Somerset Cricket League.
She annually organised a sponsored walk along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, a Royal Ascot Ladies Raceday, a Christmas Lunch and carol service, as well as hosting a barbecue at her own house that was supported by many of the Somerset players and club officials.
Serving on the SCCC general committee from 1988 until 2002, she raised substantial sums of money for players during their testimonial or benefit year and for the club itself.
In recognition of her hard work and devotion, she was made an honorary life member in 2005, the first woman to be awarded this accolade.
In July, Ms Elworthy-Coggan hosted the 30th and final barbecue at her house, which raised in excess of £6,000, splitting the proceeds between Alzheimer’s Society, Darby Rimmer Motor Neurone Disease Foundation and SCCC.
