A Christmas fun run will be held in memory of a cricketer who lost his battle with cancer.

The David Randall Foundation Santa Fun Run will be held at Promenade Park in Maldon, paying tribute to “humble” David who played for Maldon Cricket Club since the age of six.

He sadly passed away in July 2012, aged just 27.

David – known as Arkle – batted for Essex from under-ten to under-19 and was Maldon CC’s first batsman alongside England’s highest ever run scorer Alastair Cook.

Cook, who still plays for Essex following his retirement from international cricket, is patron of the foundation.

He said: “David and I grew up opening the batting together at Essex age group cricket and at Maldon CC.

“I will never be embarrassed to say that David was a far better player than me!

“We had some great moments together.

“Arkle handled his illness with great bravery and never once did we hear him complain, or say ‘why me?’

“He tried to live as normal a life as possible, refusing to give in to the illness and striving to experience as much as he could in his last few months.

“I think the fact that he came to Lords and visited Wimbledon in his last few weeks summed up his attitude.”

David’s memory has continued to support families throughout the country following his death from terminal cancer.

Before his illness, he had been a keen fundraiser and competed in the Maldon Mud Race to raise cash for Macmillan nurses in 2011.

Last year’s event saw more than 300 Santas ranging from children in buggies to adults take part in the run.

A total of £3,000 was raised on the day.

This year there will be a 3km and 5km race for runners to take part in.

A Santa suit will also be provided for anyone who attends on the day.

Runners can register for the race from 9am on the day, with the races starting at 10.30am.

Admission to the run costs £8 for children and £10 for adults.

To find out more details, visit drfsantafunrun.org/