TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented young sportsman from Williton who has lost his battle with cancer.

Kevin Gulliford, 20, died at Williton Hospital on Friday after failing to recover from a rhabdomyosarcoma tumour – a rare form of cancer which originates in the soft tissues of the body.

Family of the keen young cricketer and footballer were at his bedside when he died.

This week, Ollie Rew, captain of Crowcombe Cricket Club’s Sunday XI where Kevin played, paid tribute to “a great character and a great bloke”.

He added: “He was liked by everybody – he was a fantastic cricketer and will be sorely missed.”

The former Danesfield Middle School and West Somerset Community College pupil, who was also a member of and assistant referee for Williton Football Club, was selected to take up the Sunday XI captaincy role at the club’s AGM last November, but became too ill to play.

Club chairman Richard Boddington, who helped nurture Kevin’s cricketing skills from the age of ten, said the Williton man contributed a lot, both as a player and, when he became too ill, as an umpire.

He added: “Kevin was a special young man and a fine cricketer.

“He never complained throughout his illness and was always optimistic he would be cured. Unfortunately, this was not the case.”

Choking back his tears, Nathan Sheehan, manager of Williton Football Club, said: “Kevin was a great friend, a top man and an all-round fantastic guy.

“He was a huge inspiration to all of us and the days will never be the same without him.

“Rest in peace, mate – from everyone at Williton Football Club.”

Kevin’s mum, Caroline, said she was too upset to talk when contacted by the County Gazette but thanked people for their kind messages of support.

Kevin’s funeral will be held at Taunton Deane Crematorium at 11am next Thursday (March 11).

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