Cricket world in mourning over tragic death of 19-year-old prodigy
The cricket world is mourning the tragic death of 19-year-old Joe Lunn from a rare form of cancer.
A wicket-keeper batsman, Lunn was a rising star in English cricket before being diagnosed with synovial sarcoma - a cancer affecting soft tissues around joints.
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Lunn had worked his way through the youth ranks at Surrey County Cricket Club and was a member of the famed club's academy.
"We were hugely saddened to hear of the death of former county age group played Joe Lunn, who passed away from synovial sarcoma - a rare form of cancer - this week aged 19," the club said in a statement.
The club is saddened to pass on the news that Joseph Lunn passed away Monday Afternoon, at the age of 19. Please see this message from the chairman. pic.twitter.com/IPE2RqrCUh
— Sutton Cricket Club (@SuttonCricket) March 10, 2021
"Joe played for Surrey in district and county age group cricket as wicket-keeper and batsman throughout his teenage years.
"He also represented Sutton Cricket Club with distinction, scoring a century as recently as last summer."
Surrey's director of cricket and former England Test star Alec Stewart led the tributes to Lunn.
“Whenever this happens it is an absolute tragedy," Stewart said.
"To hear of it happening to a member of our Surrey family has affected everyone at the club.
“We were all aware of the struggles that Joe was going through and did what we could to support him and his family.
"To hear that he has passed away is incredibly sad.
"I would like to send the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club to all of Joe’s family and friends.”
Cricket world rocked by tragic death of Joe Lunn
Gareth Townsend, Surrey's academy director, said: “The Surrey district and age group system is a tight knit group of players, coaches and families.
"We were all incredibly sad to learn of Joe’s diagnosis and have done all we can to support him and his family throughout.
“To learn of his passing was heartbreaking for us all.
"On behalf of his friends and teammates in different Surrey teams over the years, I would like to send our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and friends.”
What devastating news. Sorry to hear this x
— Chris Chambers (@cmc1447) March 10, 2021
Devastating news. Very sorry to hear this. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends #cricketfamily
— Danbury Cricket Club (@DanburyCC) March 10, 2021
Please pass on the condolences of everyone at Beddo. People have talked fondly of Joe, he's remembered as a good cricketer and rugby player, and for all the work he did to raise money for charity. To lose him at such a young age is tragic.
— Beddington Cricket Club (@beddocc) March 10, 2021
Devastated to hear this news. Joe was a cheeky, funny, confident lad, who I had the pleasure of captaining for John Fisher’s School XI. Rest easy lad x
— Jack Roffey (@ROFF_PR) March 10, 2021
So sad to hear the news. My son started his cricketing life with Joe and Dave @SuttonCricket Joe was always so enthusiastic and such a character. A big loss to the family and anyone who was lucky enough to have met Joe 😪
— SRana (@5rana) March 11, 2021
We are very sorry to hear. From all at EMCC we send our condolences
— East Molesey Cricket Club 🏆🏆 (@EastMoleseyCC) March 13, 2021
Sincere condolences from all at @PrioryLlamas. A lovely lad. We had two terrific matches against Sutton Under 19’s last season and Joe played with typical style. RIP Joe, so sad to be taken so young.
— Carvoeiro 7 (@Carvoeiro7) March 10, 2021
So so sad to lose a brilliant , cheeky young man to this world at such a young age . Had amazing memories playing with and against him . Rest in peace Joe you will be missed . Many condolences go to the Lunn family .
— Umair Anis (@UmairAnis10) March 10, 2021
In 2019 Lunn underwent major surgery to remove the tumours from his body, however the cancer later returned.
Last year he raised over $25,000 for charity through a 100-mile cycling challenge.
The 19-year-old completed the ‘100 miles for 1000 smiles’ challenge to raise funds for the Rays of Sunshine charity.
“Rays of Sunshine have been incredibly supportive of me and my family, while I continue to receive treatment for cancer," he said.
"This is about me giving something back.”
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