Online fundraising page set up in memory of Norwich sportsman who died in industrial incident
Rob Cranston, second from left, with wife Claire and sons Owen and Lewis. A fundraising page has been set up in his memory. Picture: Family submit/Go Fund Me - Credit: Archant
A fundraising page has been set up in memory of a popular sportsman and father-of-two who died in an industrial accident.
Jack Pye has set up the Go Fund Me page in memory of Rob Cranston, who died after the incident at Briar Chemicals in Norwich on Friday.
Mr Cranston, 46, was a well-known cricketer, and tributes since his death have described him as a 'first-rate man', 'talented sportsman and superb team-mate'.
On the online fundraising page, Mr Pye, a friend of the family, said: 'Rob Cranston meant so much to his family and all his friends, he was a gentleman, a great sportsman, an amazing husband to Claire and a great father to his two sons Lewis and Owen.
'Rob played many sports and was part of several clubs throughout Norfolk and was an asset to any team. His sons followed in his footsteps in these sports and make him proud in their achievements.
MORE: Tributes to popular sportsman Rob Cranston who died at Norwich chemical plant
Most Read
- 1 Overnight works on stretch of A47 prompt 50-mile diversion for two weeks
- 2 Norfolk beach named among UK's most contaminated
- 3 'Do not eat' - Lidl recalls product over bacteria fears
- 4 New reservoir could secure region's water supply - but will cost over £1bn
- 5 Friend pays tribute to 'kind-hearted' 20-year-old who died in bike crash
- 6 Revealed: Buyer of Norwich Airport Industrial Estate - and what they paid
- 7 Where you will be able to see the Red Arrows over Norfolk this weekend
- 8 Part of Norfolk Coast Path to close for seven weeks
- 9 'Genuine shock' after biker killed in town centre hit-and-run
- 10 'Foodie Fortnight' to celebrate opening of new food hall in Norwich
'He passed on his brilliant sporting manner to both of them and they have always been a pleasure to talk to, play with and against.'
He said the page was set up to raise money for any costs needed to give Mr Cranston 'the send off he deserves', and to support his family.
By 4.30pm on Monday, just two hours after it was set up, the page had already surpassed its original £500 target, which was increased to £1,000.
Mr Cranston, a former Hewett School pupil, grew up in Lakenham, Norwich, and lived off Hall Road in the area.
Paying tribute, John Chilvers, Eaton Cricket Club captain and close friend of Mr Cranston, said on Saturday: 'He was a first-rate man who was honest, straight-forward and did everything to the best of his ability. He was a talented sportsman and superb team-mate.'
Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident, which came amid reports of an explosion at the site.
Officers confirmed it was not chemical related, and both Briar Chemicals and Pruce Newman, who employed Mr Cranston at the Sweet Briar Road site, have since paid tribute to a well-liked and respected colleague.
To donate, click here.