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Middlesex name The Felix Project as their new official charity partner

Joining forces | Middlesex’s Richard Goatley with The Felix Project’s Jane Byam Shaw: Matt Bright
Joining forces | Middlesex’s Richard Goatley with The Felix Project’s Jane Byam Shaw: Matt Bright

Middlesex have named The Felix Project as their new official charity partner for this season.

The project was set up by Jane and Justin Byam Shaw in memory of their son Felix, who died suddenly in 2014 aged 14 of meningococcal septicaemia.

The charity aims to reduce food waste and food poverty by collecting supplies from retailers across London and distributing them free to charities across the capital for people in need.

Middlesex chief executive Richard Goatley said: “We are absolutely delighted that The Felix Project has agreed to join us as our official charity partner.

“It is an incredibly dynamic charity, which provides a real and direct benefit to people of need in Middlesex.

“The passion of the founders in growing the organisation is infectious, and they are exactly the sort of people we love working with.

“There are many ways we will work together, from fundraising at matches to ensuring all our staff and players spend some time delivering the food.”

Jane Byam Shaw said: “The obvious sincerity and passion of Middlesex’s commitment to the community and The Felix Project makes this a really rewarding partnership for us. I think it will set a standard for others to emulate.”

For more information on The Felix Project, please contact Jane at jane@thefelixproject.org

‘Felix was a gifted all-rounder with a bullet arm’

Felix Byam Shaw died of meningitis at the age of 14 nearly three years ago. A gifted cricketing all-rounder, Felix received the honour of having his life recorded in a Wisden obituary.

He captained Oxfordshire at various levels, opening the bowling for their Under-14 team and his languid skills with the bat placing him at the top of the order for his Eton age-group.

Felix’s coaches described him as “a great student of the game” and “always smiling, especially in fielding drills”. His Wisden entry read: “As well as a bullet arm, he had a quick brain and a big heart, taking more pleasure in others’ success.”

Felix was a fly-half in rugby and central midfielder at football, as well as an avid Liverpool fan. At his memorial service at Oxford’s Christ Church Cathedral, which was attended by nearly 1,000 people, many wore Liverpool shirts emblazoned with “Byam Shaw 14” while the Eton choir led a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.