Remembering Trish Wolfenden (1975-2024)
Former Lancashire player Patricia Wolfenden (nee Wilkinson) sadly passed away on December 23 aged 49, after a short illness.
Throughout her youth, she lived for cricket and played for the local village men's team from being very young at a time when this was not the norm. Trish, as she was known, played many years at Edenfield Cricket Club.
She had played for Lancashire from the early days when they were combined with the Cheshire women's team and took part in the annual County Championships in Cambridge alongside best friends Leanne Davis, Sue Fawcett, Stella Peters, Arran Brindle - and many others who remained good friends to this day.
In 2001, Trish represented her county on a self funded tour of the West Indies. However, shortly after her return she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer which required intensive chemo and radiotherapy. Thanks to her strength and competitive spirit she was able to overcome this, but due to the chronic and progressive side effects of the treatment, she had to give up playing. Despite gruelling treatment, Trish still managed to get to the County Champs in Cambridge to support the team in gaining promotion to Division 2.
Trish never lost the love of cricket though and continued to give her time providing coaching and encouragement to the young up and coming players such as Kate Cross, whom she often gave a lift to training evenings, if her dad couldn't make it.
Some memories of Trish shared by her team mates:
Leanne Davies: "During Trish's playing career, and then in her ongoing support, she wore her red rose with absolute pride and honour. She was the ultimate team player, always putting her team mates first evidenced by her many ongoing friendships post cricket. Even in life's most challenging times, through illness and treatment, she still managed to support the team in Cambridge and became our unofficial 12th woman. Trish was a hero to many, even though she'd hate to hear that, and fought with tenacity but with humour, much like how she played the game she so very dearly loved."
Jen Barden (nee Laycock): "Trish was always a smiling face, which she greeted me with on my first trip to the County Champs in Cambridge aged 14. She introduced me to the team, supported me as a youngster and made me feel part of the group. She gave up her time to not just support but pass on advice, helped with logistics and just got stuck in. Her shining light will continue to glow, she touch many people both in and out of cricket."
Rest in peace, Trish.
