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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Marcus Hughes

Cricketer dies aged 25 after being diagnosed with bone cancer

Tributes have been paid to a "kind and caring" young cricketer who died aged 25.

Tom Carter, from Rhiwderin near Newport, died on Thursday after being diagnosed with bone cancer.

Newport Cricket Club chairman Mike Knight said Tom had his leg amputated about five years ago but carried on playing cricket and coaching.

Team mates at the club described him as a "good natured person, very kind and caring" and a natural cricket coach.

Mr Knight said he had known Tom since he started at the club at the age of 12, after showing early promise at Machen Cricket Club.

"We're all just devastated," he said. "We all knew he was ill but we would see him from time to time.

"He would quite often come over to the cricket club. He would recover from chemotherapy and he would come over to the club to see a game."

Tom's most memorable innings was as a young player in 2009, when he scored 189 not out (Newport Cricket Club)

Mr Knight said Tom, a former Bassaleg Comprehensive School pupil, was diagnosed with bone cancer about eight years ago.

As a result of his illness he had to have a leg amputated, but was determined to carry on playing.

"That was his target," he said. "He was obviously very ill and he knew it was going to result in the amputation of his leg.

"But he remained positive and he was adamant that he was going to carry on playing cricket."

Tom played for Newport Cricket Club's third team and for the Wales Disability Team.

He also took an interest in coaching and began setting up a disability team at Newport.

Mr Knight said: "The kids loved him. He was such a good natured person, very kind and caring.

"He would probably be the ideal coach. The kids knew they could trust him and he was very helpful."

He added: "The club is devastated to hear the sad news of Tom’s death.

"Tom was highly regarded by everyone and was a real inspiration to us all. His passing at such a young age is a terrible loss and he will be greatly missed."

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