Memorial match final tribute to campaigner (From Wiltshire Times)

Memorial match final tribute to campaigner

3:25pm Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in Trowbridge

A MEMORIAL rugby match will be held for Melksham right-to-die campaigner Tony Nicklinson, when his ashes will be scattered at the ground where he used to play.

Locked-in syndrome suffered Mr Nicklinson, 58, pictured, died at his home in Melksham in August, a week after his bid to end his life with a doctor’s help was rejected by the High Court.

He was paralysed by a stroke in 2005, and as a young man played for Cranbrook Rugby Club in Kent.

Rugby club spokesman Gezz Higgins said it was Mr Nicklinson’s wish that his ashes be scattered on the pitch at Cranbrook.

He said: “I have been talking to his wife Jane this week and that is his request, so that would fit in nicely with a memorial match.

“He was a very good player – he was second row where you need the big guys, and sometimes number eight.”

“My overriding memory is of him leaning on the bar talking to me at the rugby clubs we went to.

"He was such a sociable fellow – a great guy, the sort of fellow that when he walked into the room it lit up.”

Mrs Nicklinson said: “The game probably won’t be until April now, when the rugby season ends. I haven’t been involved in organising it because Tony’s time at the club was before I knew him, but it will be good to get down there to see them all, because some of them couldn’t make it to the funeral.”