Harry Redknapp, former AFC Bournemouth manager, is to be guest of honour at a charity cricket match to be held at Bournemouth Cricket Club’s Chapel Gate ground on Tuesday 23 August – and all are invited to attend.

The event is to raise money for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s Vascular Fund and the two competing teams will be the Bournemouth Wanderers and the local Hospital Services Cricket Club.

The match has been organized by George Stratford who earlier this year, underwent successful major surgery at Royal Bournemouth Hospital for a rapidly growing abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, just a short time later, George found himself back in hospital having hemorrhaged close to a pint and a half of blood. This was caused by a leak in the implant which was fitted during his first surgery.

The leak was in the most difficult of places, right next to many vital kidney nerves and arteries. A pair of eight inch long stents had to be rushed down from the manufacturers in Kent and a large team of consultants, anaesthetists, radiologists and specialist theatre nurses kept George alive, with a team of experts from the stent manufacturer also joining virtually.

George Stratford said: “It is a truly humbling thought to consider all the talent, brains and sheer dedication that came together to pull me through. I want to thank all of them from the bottom of my heart, from the ambulance crew who were with me within half an hour of calling 111, right through to the brilliant nurses and staff in Ward 7 who looked after me until my discharge.

“But no matter how many times I expressed my gratitude to those involved, it never seemed to be enough. So, when I discovered that my consultant also happened to be captain of the local Hospital Services Cricket Club I knew just what to do.

“With the help of highly respected local cricketer Jan Bridle, I have organized a cricket match to raise money for the hospital in which I received such outstanding care. What better way to say thank you to my brilliant consultant than knocking over his middle stump? Or perhaps even seeing him hit me for an enormous six? Either way would be great.”

Head down to Chapel Gate ground at East Parley on Tuesday 23 August at 6pm and join George and Harry for a summer’s evening of cricket. Entry is free and George will be collecting donations on the day.