Former England off-spinner Eddie Hemmings and his wife Chris have helped to raise more than £4,000 for Cancer Research UK after organising a fundraising bash in Burton Joyce recently.

Chris was first diagnosed with cancer five years ago she and Eddie decided to use their 40th wedding anniversary to generate money for the charity.

Eddie, who was capped by England 16 times and also played for Nottinghamshire for many years, said: “Chris has now successfully battled two bouts of cancer since being diagnosed with the disease five years ago. Without the fantastic work of charities like Cancer Research UK she may not have lived to tell the tale. We decided to make our 40th wedding anniversary a big celebration and tried to raise some money along the way. I’m really grateful for the support of the local sporting community, with auction items being donated by Nottingham Forest, Notts County, the Panthers and Notts CCC.”

The event, which was held at the Burton Joyce Village Hall, raised £4,200 and included a live auction and entertainment from covers band Dr Comfort & the Lurid Revelations.