A cricket match is to be held in memory of a Kemsley man who died from a tumour.

Lee Johnson, of Pavilion Drive, was diagnosed with an inoperable growth on his brain stem the day before his 31st birthday. He was given between 18 months to five years.

The former Fulston Manor pupil, who was known as Johno, underwent a gruelling course of radiotherapy which reduced the size of the tumour and allowed him to have surgery in January.

But he never recovered and remained at King’s College Hospital in London where he lost his battle against the tumour two months later.

Now Milstead Cricket Club, which Lee used to play for, has organised the fundraiser to remember him and raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

It will see the team take on a group of his friends when it takes place at the club’s grounds in Rawling Street on Sunday. Gates open at noon for start of play at 12.30pm.

Entry is via a voluntary donation on the door.

As well as the match, there will also be a barbecue, with food supplied by Lee’s former employer Q Catering, which is based in Styles Close, Sittingbourne.

There will also be a licensed bar.

The town’s Boy George impersonator, Matt Endersby, who also used to play for the club, will be DJ-ing on the day.

Tom Stevens 24, of Crossways, Sittingbourne, who met Lee through the cricket team seven years ago, will be among those playing.

He said: “Lee lived life to the full. He had lots of friend, was well known in Sittingbourne and would do anything for anyone.

“We want to put the feelers out with this one and see how it goes with a view to expanding it and making it an annual event.

“We really want to make as much money as possible. A group of us did the Three Peaks Challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support last year.

“A few of us are also doing the Shine walk on September 28 and we hope to do other events this year and next year as well.”