A CRICKET match in memory of a 15-year-old Southend schoolgirl who died of cancer has been boosted by the support of Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.
Katie Hart-Greenfield, who attended Westcliff High School for Girls, died almost 18 months ago of a rare brain tumour.
Her parents have honoured her memory by raising more than £16,000 for Little Havens Hospice, where she spent her last days.
In August, they will hold the second annual cricket match, and this year’s event has been boosted by the 19-year-old actor, who had met Katie, and sent a tribute to be read out at her funeral.
The Hollywood star has donated a complete set of the Harry Potter books, which he signed at the launch party for his latest film, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
The books will be auctioned after the match.
Katie’s father, Nick Hart, 48, of Holyoak Lane, Hawkwell, said it was great to have Daniel’s support.
Nick said: “Katie and Daniel met each other a couple of times and he sent a very heartfelt message, which was read out at her funeral.
“It’s great he has continued to show his support, and it shows what a lovely young man he is.”
Mr Hart said even though it had been almost a year-and-half since Katie died, her family continued to miss her terribly.
He said: “When you wake in the morning, for a few brief moments you forget.
“Then a glance at Katie’s photograph by the side of the bed brings it all back.
“However, we do have ways of dealing with our loss positively.
“We talk about Katie all the time, remembering the good times – all her funny ways, and how she would make us laugh, even when she was unwell.”
The cricket match, organised by her stepfather Rob Greenfield, 47, will see a team of Mr Hart’s friends from Southend take on an 11 from Little Baddow, where Katie lived. The match will take place at Little Baddow Cricket Club, in Little Baddow, near Chelmsford, on Sunday, August 9, from 2pm.
All money raised will go to Little Havens and the Danbury Mission Evangelical Church, where Katie attended.
To make a donation, go to the website www.friendsofkatie.co.uk
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