A CRICKET match in memory of a 13-year-old boy who died of leukaemia raised almost £4,000 for charity.

James O’Mara, of Claines, was diagnosed with aggressive form of leukaemia, Acute Myeloid, at Worcestershire Royal on June 1.

The Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College student, who was a keen member of Droitwich Rugby Club, died just a week later on June 8.

The event, organised by James' rugby coach Jon Grimshaw, was held at Ombersley Cricket Club, in Old Main Road, Ombersley, near Droitwich, on Thursday, July 20.

The match was between Ombersley Taverners Cricket Club and a team consisting of James' friends and family, including his uncle Richard Tanner.

Due to poor weather last Thursday, the game ended abruptly with no winner, but there are plans to replay the match.

The money will be donated to Birmingham Children's Hospital and Children's Liver Disease Charity (CLDF), a charity dedicated to funding research into all blood cancers including leukaemia.

Jon said: "I am very pleased as James’ rugby coach and as chairman of Ombersley Taverners Cricket Club.

"The great thing was so many people offered support. Everybody has been very generous to help things along.

"I was very pleased with the turnout and even if we had raised £200 it would have been worth it, every bit goes towards it.

"We wanted to raise money in a fun way, rather than pressurise people to just give money and try to give something back.

Speaking on the loss of James, he said: "It was a big shock. He was a generous, nice young boy. I was just very shocked by what happened.

"What shocked me the most was the timing, he was diagnosed and died just eight days later."

A barbecue and raffle,which included prizes such as a signed Worcester Warriors rugby ball, took place.

Just three weeks ago, Mr Grimshaw had taken James to see Droitwich Rugby Club play at Twickenham.

Previously, James' family also put out an appeal for people to donate blood to honour the youngster, as he used 89 units of blood products during his time in hospital.

On Thursday, June 29, a service of remembrance for James saw more than 350 people fill Worcester Crematorium in Tintern Avenue.

For more information on James' story or to donate go to james.omara.muchloved.com.