FRIENDS, family and Wanderers legends turned out in their hundreds for two cricket matches to remember Andrew ‘Pud’ Leigh.

Around 200 people packed into Horwich RMI Cricket Club today for the event in honour of Pud, who died in January, aged 49, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Friends and family have been raising money for The Christie in his memory ever since and are now supporting The Brain Tumour Charity.

The event featured two matches, one between Horwich Casuals and Heaton Casuals and a ‘Puds XI’ v a BWFC Legends team.

Among the former Whites who joined in were Jussi Jaaskelainen, Gavin McCann, Tony Kelly, John McGinlay, Nicky Spooner, David Lee and John Thomas.

Before the matches started, two benches were unveiled in Pud’s honour.

A beer called Pud’s Pint was also being served for visitors to enjoy.

Pud’s daughter, 22-year-old Olivia Leigh, said: “He would be looking down smiling at everyone today.

“The weather has turned out well for us. He would be happy to see everyone having a good time. He would want us to remember the good times. He was always positive.”

Also joining the event was special guest, ex-England cricketer Ronnie Irani.

Speaking about the day, Pud’s wife, Susan Leigh, said: “It is a fantastic turnout. The cricket club was a huge passion of his.

“He was always about the community. If there was something he could get from Bolton or Horwich he would buy it in Horwich.

“People are just turning up for him.”

The event had plenty for everyone to enjoy with a barbecue, a bar, DJ, a bouncy castle and a chance for children to get their face painted.

Former Wanderers goalkeeper Jaaskelainen said: “I just wanted to come along and support the causes.”