Ray Denne founded the Runnymede Rascals in 1995. It all started when Ray met Keith Hance and Andy Butterworth at a 'have a go day' at Abbey Fit (formerly Abbeylands Sports Centre) in 1994. He asked both of them to have a go at cricket which they did and from then on it was Ray's ambition to form a disabled cricket team. Ray was the Coach and Manager of the Rascals until his death in 1999.
Ray Denne sought to develop mixed disability cricket in the South of England through the Cricket Federation for People with Disabilities (CFPD). He became Deputy President of the CFPD. Ray was solely responsible for suggesting and organising the annual North v South of England matches at the Oval. In 1998 he will always be remembered for arriving at Old Trafford 'Ray with his Rascals' in a stretch limousine!
Notwithstanding his contributions to cricket, Ray will always be remembered as a true gentleman. His kindness, loyalty and humour made him a pleasure to know. Ray is still affectionately remembered by the Rascals and all those who knew him.
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