A CHARITY cricket match is to be held in aid of a cricketer left partially paralysed by a ball earlier this summer.

Phil Williams suffered a fractured skull after he was struck on the head by a delivery while playing for Wayfarers 2nd XI in July.

Wiltshire side Wroughton Wranglers contacted the Ferndown club when they heard about the horrific incident and offered to play a fundraising game.

Wroughton captain Martyn Gregory had previously been the victim of a similar incident, suffering a double fracture of the cheekbone after he was hit while batting.

At Phil's suggestion, money raised will go to the Portland Ward of the Eddy Hawker Wing at Poole Hospital - a specialist ward which Phil attends.

It deals with patients recovering from head injuries.

Richie Sellars, honorary secretary at Wayfarers, said: "All those concerned hope for not only a healthy amount to be raised, but also for awareness to be raised among all cricketers.

"They should appreciate the importance of wearing helmets and protection while participating in all forms of cricket."

The charity 20/20 match between Wayfarers and Wroughton will be held on Friday, September 12 at Wayfarers Sports Club, Dolmans Farm, Ferndown from 4pm.

There will be a fundraising barbecue and Phil's daughter Lucinda will hold a charity auction.

Anyone who can donate an item for the auction should contact Steve Bishopp on 01202 473537 or stevethebish@aol.com.