George 'the Podge' Memorial Cricket Match

This weekend will see a terrific memorial cricket match take place in memory of one of England Cricket's greatest followers, George Summerside. Taking place between supporters of George's two favourite pastimes, Sunderland football club, and England Cricket, the day will raise money for 'Chance to Shine', a charity set up in George's memory.

George, 53, and a retired fireman, was tragically found dead in January, just ahead of England's cricket tour to Dubai, where they played Pakistan as the number one test ranked side in the world.

Ever popular on all of England's tours abroad, George touched and came into so many people's lives, his affection and love of helping people he came into contact with, held no bounds.

I first met George out in Cape Town, during the 2010 tour, and although he had been in contact with my brother via email previously, he hadn't met me personally, or the rest of our touring party.

Yet, within a few minutes of chatting at the stall, where he was selling Barmy Army merchandize, George was frog marching us round the ground at Newlands, and into the executive boxes, where he had talked his way into getting quite a few England supporters, into a all expenses paid area, for the pricely equivalent of £50 English pounds.

That was the measure of the man, it didn't matter if you had known George for just five minutes of five years, he really went out of his way for anyone he met.

And it is for that reason, that his passing, was met by an huge outpouring of emotion. I was gutted to be in Dubai at the time of George's funeral back in the UK, but also at the same time, humbled to be able to take part in the amazing tribute the Barmy Army served up during the opening days play.

It showed to me, just how one man can touch so many peoples lives, and the great man deserved a such a tribute from all those lives he had enhanced at some point.

On tour for the Ashes series in 2010, we had also met up with George, and one of his close friends, Charlie, and again shared some wonderful memories.

Now it is the turn of friends of George to show just what he meant to them, by putting on a memorable day of cricket action in Sunderland, and sharing just some of those memories, with followers of both Sunderland football club, and the England cricket team, welcome to attend the day.

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You can donate online to the charity set up in George's memory here