CRICKET
AND RUGBY CLUBS UNITE TO REMEMBER RUSS
Two local
sports clubs will unite this week to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Russ
Brennan, who served both sides with distinction for many years.
Russ
sadly lost his battle with a rare form of cancer at the end of March, having
fought the disease for over a year and undergoing several rounds of treatment,
including a bone marrow transplant. He
had previously beaten the same condition some 15 years previously.
As a
member of Ormskirk Rugby Club and Hightown St. Mary's Cricket Club, Russ, who
lived in Ainsdale, notched up more than 40 years of service on and off the
field. At Ormskirk he was initially a 1st XV regular, playing at centre,
and went on captain the 2nd, 3rd and 4th XV in later years. He also served as
Chairman of rugby, Fixture Secretary and was made an honorary life member by
the club in 2013.
At
Hightown, Russ captained both 2nd and 3rd XIs and was instrumental in bringing
many young players through the ranks and introducing them to senior cricket.
As an all-rounder, he scored almost 2,000 runs and chipped in with
regular wickets throughout his career.
Last year
a number of fundraising events, including charity rugby and cricket matches and
the successful completion of the 24 hour three peak challenge by players from
both clubs, all helped to raise almost £10,000 for the two cancer charities
that supported Russ throughout his illness: The R Charity (Royal Liverpool Hospital)
and Anthony Nolan.
Chris
Scrine, President of the Hightown Club, said: “Russ was a competitor on the field,
a true gentleman off it and a great friend and servant of the club. As captain, his ethos of focusing on youth,
as the future of the club, meant he was held in extremely high regard by so
many of our junior players, whose cricketing careers he helped to nurture
and develop.
“Last
year’s fundraising efforts were testament to just how highly regarded he is and
he will be missed hugely by us all.”
Nick
Jacobs, President at Ormskirk Rugby Club commented: “For almost three decades
Russ graced our club both as a player and club official. In recognition of the massive contribution he
made on and off the pitch he was awarded Honorary Life Membership two years
ago. For many Russ was ‘Mr Ormskirk
Rugby’. He is missed dearly but will
never be forgotten.”
Russ’s
funeral will be held at Southport Crematorium on Friday 10th April at
3.20pm. Anyone wishing to make
donations can do so via Gibb’s undertakers, Southport, with monies raised going
to the R Charity (Royal Liverpool Hospital) and Anthony Nolan.
