MIDLAND Guildford Cricket Club was one of eight premier cricket clubs to go ‘blue for blood cancer’ over the weekend in honour of late Sport FM founder Colin Minson.

A beloved figure within Western Australian sports broadcasting, Mr Minson passed away in March 2022 after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.

Midland Guildford Cricket Club president John Gartrell said both the club and senior members were very keen to honour Mr Minson’s memory.

“Supporting the ‘blue for blood cancer’ fundraiser was something we were very happy to do with round 15 of the male premier cricket competition committed to the cause,” he said.

“Colin was always a happy committed supporter of WACA premier cricket and we would see him at Lilac Hill for his Sport FM commitments.”

Mr Gartrell said the club’s barbecue held in Mr Minson’s honour was attended by many of his old friends, with most donning as much blue as they could.

“It was a great day and went well all afternoon where Midland Guildford Cricket Club won in the last over after rain and a few lightning delays,” Mr Gartrell said.

The ‘blue for blood cancer’ round is supported by the Leukaemia Foundation and seeks to support their annual fundraiser, the World’s Greatest Shave.

Sport FM chair Irene Minson, Mr Minson’s wife, said blood cancer affected the whole family.

“This March is particularly poignant for our family, as it marks two years since Colin passed away,” she said.

“Colin’s story is a heartbreaking example of what many Australians are going through, each and every day.

“It is not only the person with blood cancer that is affected by the diagnosis, but also the whole family unit.”

Leukaemia Foundation chief executive officer Chris Tanti said with blood cancer numbers expected to rise, it was never a better time to join the fight against it and get involved with the World’s Greatest Shave.

“Blood cancer is Australia’s hidden crisis. There are 140,000 Australians living with blood cancer right now, and sadly it takes the lives of 16 Australians every day,” he said.

“Shockingly, these numbers are set to double by 2035, unless we do something about it.”