Home   Canterbury   News   Article

Cricket tournament involving schools around Kent to be held in Canterbury for teenager Miles Stockwell who lost battle with aggressive cancer aged 15

A sports-mad teenager who died of an aggressive bone cancer aged just 15 will be remembered with affection at a new inter-schools cricket tournament next week.

The event has been created by Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury, which was attended by Miles Stockwell before his tragic death on New Year’s Eve 2022.

Miles Stockwell with his mum, Sarah Luckhurst, and sister Lauren Luckhurst. Picture: Sarah Luckhurst
Miles Stockwell with his mum, Sarah Luckhurst, and sister Lauren Luckhurst. Picture: Sarah Luckhurst

Since his untimely loss, the teenager’s family from Herne Bay has created a lasting legacy with a fund set up in his name, called Team Miles Forever, which has so far raised more than £66,000 for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

But the ‘Super Six’ tournament on June 3, which features six local schools, will be a celebration of Miles’s love of cricket at which he excelled.

He played cricket for Whitstable U15s, football for Whitstable Town FC, and roller hockey for Herne Bay for 10 years.

In 2021, he captained one of the cricket club’s U13 teams, and went on to win the coveted top run-scorer award, and gain a place in the club’s U15 side.

His mum, Sarah Luckhurst says she is very proud that her son’s memory lives on and he is helping to raise funds for a vital good cause.

“I have to thank PE teacher Paul Lyttle for coming up with the cricket tournament idea and organising it,” she said.

Miles Stockwell was a talented young sportsman. Picture: Sarah Luckhurst
Miles Stockwell was a talented young sportsman. Picture: Sarah Luckhurst

“They’re calling it The Stockwell Super Sixes and we hope to make it a biennial event.”

Already, the school has an award in Miles’s memory called the Miles Stockwell Tenacity Award, which was presented to a pupil for overcoming adversity for the first time last year.

Miles was diagnosed with an aggressive osteosarcoma in November 2021 and underwent gruelling bouts of chemotherapy. He even had a leg amputated in a bid to beat the disease. His battle earned him widespread support in the local sporting community.

When Whitstable Cricket Club posted on Twitter ahead of a fundraiser, Kent and England cricket star Joe Denly shared the tweet, along with former England and county cricketer Rob Key, who donated £100 and wrote: “Good luck Miles. Fight this as well as you play cricket.”

Ultimately, Miles lost his battle but now the charity in his name keeps his spirit alive and brings comfort to his family.

In his memory, Whitstable Cricket Club introduced an annual Miles Stockwell Award for resilience, determination and strength of character.

Miles aged 14, during his cancer battle. Picture: Sarah Luckhurst
Miles aged 14, during his cancer battle. Picture: Sarah Luckhurst

“I think he would be incredibly proud that we are doing all we can to help other people afflicted by this terrible disease,” said mum Sarah.

A memorial bench to Miles overlooks the cricket pitch at The Langton Grammar School for Boys which is hosting the tournament and includes teams from The Canterbury Academy, Sir Joseph's Mathematical School, Rochester, Kent College, St Lawrence College and St Edmund’s School.

It is being played in a T20 style format. Play starts at 9.30am, is open to all and will include a barbecue and live music.

Anyone needing information or support with any aspect of coping or dealing with primary bone cancer, can contact the Bone Cancer Research Trust Support & Information Service on 0800 111 4855 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm). Alternatively, email them at support@bcrt.org.uk or visit bcrt.org.uk/support.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More