TRIBUTES have been paid to a cricket club’s “hero” chairman who served his Lancashire League outfit for 16 years.

Tony Marsden, who was chairman of Church Cricket Club, had battled ill health for several years before his death, aged 63.

Mr Marsden had suffered from a severe case of brittle asthma, a heart condition and osteoporosis.

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He had been married to Barbara for 43 years and the couple had one daughter, Julie.

Mrs Marsden said: “Tony was chairman of the club from 1982 to 1998.

“It was then that he had to step down due to ill health and his condition started to deteriorate.

“He was very caring and family was very important to him.

“Tony was a huge Blackburn Rovers fan and always went out of his way to help people.

“He loved speaking to people and making new friends, as well as wanting to stay independent and get involved in various things.

“He picked up hobbies of photography and carving which then went on to get more popular and made pieces for people personally.

“He donated to charity the money he made from his carvings.”

Mr Marsden regularly attended Hyndburn Resource Centre and Enfield Day Centre after falling ill and continued to enjoy trips to the Lake District with his wife.

Legendary former Church bowler Jack Houldsworth, who is now a committee member at the cricket club, said: “I knew Tony for a long time.

“He worked so hard every day and he always put up with his health. Nothing stopped him.

“He worked on the ground. He painted. He maintained the fences.

“Tony was a star when it came to the club’s work that had to be done. He really was a true hero.

“He was a Rovers fan like me, so we always found that common ground.

“He was a privilege to work with.

“Tony was the bravest you will ever meet.

“He went through so mu- ch but did a lot for everyone.”

Mr Marsden also leaves behind a brother, Paul.

Julie is due to compete in the Great North Run on Sunday, September 11 in memory of her father. Funds raised will be donated to Asthma UK.