The story of John Wallbank - local sporting stalwart and fundraiser for Meningitis Now

John, who turns 67 this month, hung up his boots earlier this year following a hernia operation and hip replacement.

The retired teacher represented no fewer than 16 local football teams, including Thorne Colliery, Hatfield Main, Rossington Main and Armthorpe MW.

He once turned out for Doncaster Rovers reserves and has been a trustee of the club for more than 10 years.

John also played local cricket for Doncaster Town, Fishlake, Barnby Dun and White Hart.

He became both a football and cricket coach assessor and has played an important role in the growth of the England’s physical disability cricket team.

“It’s been immense,” said John.

“I’ve played with and against so many people who remember me to this day.

“My career highlights are playing for Doncaster Rovers against Lincoln City in a reserve match in 1982 at Belle Vue and playing for Blackburn Rovers A against Stockport County reserves at Edgeley Park in 1974.

“I’d also pick out a hat-trick I took in a men’s cricket cup game in Lancashire when I was 16. My dad played in that game. The proudest moment was scoring a century for Fishlake when playing alongside my son.

“My best achievement was captaining Barnby Dun to the Doncaster Division One title in 1996 when the committee were against me being captain.”

John also played for Railway United, Ridgewood FC, Harrison Sports, Whisper FC, Rotters FC, Brodsworth MW, Pilkington Recreation, White Bear FC, The Sidings FC, Hyde Park WMC, White Hart FC and Hatfield over 35s.

He continues to coach Tickhill’s ladies cricket team and previously held the same post at Doncaster Town.

“I always tell my players to enjoy what you’re doing,” he said. “Play hard but play fair. You make friends for life in sport. You never forget your teammates.”

John spent 30 years teaching in special education at Armthorpe High School, Wilsic Hall and Pennine View.

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John Wallbank’s passion for sport is obvious but his fundraising means even more to him – for good reason.

“I began raising funds for Meningitis charities after losing my 14-year-old daughter Kelly in March 1995,” he said.

“She fell ill on the Monday morning and was rushed into DRI. The disease is so violent that she died on Thursday of the same week. We didn’t have time to say our farewells. My two sons were only 12 and nine at the time.

“I started raising money initially for the hospital because the staff had been so wonderful in their care of Kelly. I raised sufficient funds to purchase a ventilator within the first two weeks and I have continued my work ever since.”

John has raised close to £100,000 over the last 25 years.

He twice ran the London Marathon in less than four hours, raising £15,000.

“Graham Kirkham, now Lord Kirkham, agreed to double what I raised back in 1997 so the 5k became 10k,” recalled John.

“I’ve had help from various celebrities over the years. Promotional stand ups of Carol Vorderman were given to me by Weldricks chemists and she signed them for us for the charity.

“Help from Joanna Lumley came after I wrote to the Daily Telegraph and she supported my cause.

“Various items of sporting memorabilia have also helped raise monies over the years. We got £500 for an MUFC signed ball and £950 for Martin Johnson’s signed shirt, shortly after England won the Rugby World Cup.”

Anyone interested in making a donation should email [email protected].