The death of a 21-year-old cricketer has stunned members of the club where he played.

Stephen Gall, from Calverley, died of cancer in St James's Hospital, Leeds, after losing a short battle with the disease.

Keen sportsman Stephen had recently become treasurer of Calverley St Wilfrid's Cricket Club where he had played at every level since he was ten.

Club secretary and close family friend David Alred said: "He was a lad who always had a smile on his face and never had a bad word to say about anybody.

"He would do anything for you if you asked him.

"He was invaluable to the club and a model club member. Although he was young, he was a shining example for all of us to follow, young and old. He was a true gentleman.

"Right to the end his spirits were up and he was talking about coming home, even though he knew he was very ill."

Mr Alred, who spoke at Stephen's funeral on Wednesday, said his death would leave a void at the club.

"He was well known in the league and it's a sad loss to both the club and the league. You can't fill a void like that."

Stephen's mother, Mary, said her son's popularity was reflected in the number of people who paid their respects at the church service.

She said: "Three hundred people came to the church. It was packed - that says something about my son.

"Loads more wanted to come but couldn't because of work or university commitments."

Tearful older sister Jenny Gall said her brother had not let the cancer wipe the smile off his face.

She said: "He was just so strong. He would say he was glad he had the cancer instead of his two sisters.

"He never complained once even though he knew what was happening to him.

"Stephen was always there for everybody, he was everyone's friend."

As well as playing for all three junior and senior cricket teams, he also played for Calverley junior and Victoria senior football teams.

He also played golf with his dad, Bill, and enjoyed a game of snooker.

Stephen had been studying accountancy at Leeds University and was due to take his final exams this year.

He also leaves twin sister Kathryn and girlfriend Caroline, 23.

His family have asked that any donations be made to the Imperial Cancer Research at St James's or the trust fund for ward 68/69 at the hospital.

e-mail: ian.midgley@

bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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