Devon Cricket Board - Tom Allin's family receiving condolence messages from all over world

Tom Allin's family receiving condolence messages from all over world

THE father of cricketer Tom Allin has been ‘overwhelmed’ by messages of support from all over the world following the death of his son.
Tom, who was 28, died on Monday night after falling from the road bridge over the River Torridge at Bideford into the estuary below.
Passers by alerted the emergency services, but Tom was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Tom’s death. A file has been prepared and sent to the North Devon coroner.
A post mortem is due to be held on Friday.
Tom played professional cricket for Warwickshire between 2008-13. He toured overseas with MCC and also visited Australia as a professional coach.
Parents – Tony and Beverley – have been inundated with messages at their Northam home from Tom’s friends, team-mates and rivals.
Tony, who was a professional cricketer with Glamorgan in the 1970s and played for Devon as an amateur for more than 20 years, said he had been humbled by the response to his son’s death.
“It seems Tom was serially liked by everyone who knew him,” said Tony, a 61-year-old retired farmer.
“We have had messages from all over the world from people who knew Tom through cricket.
“None of the messages say much about Tom’s cricket – mostly they say what a great guy he was.
“At this time when we are struggling to come to terms with Tom’s death, it is heartening to know he was so well liked.”
Typical of the messages received is one from Bideford CC chairman Kevin Fishleigh, who played with Tom when he was younger.
“Tom never forgot his first club, even returning to play for us in the Sunday league occasionally when Warwickshire gave him some time off,” said Mr Fishleigh.
Many of us watched him grow up into a fine young man and a fine cricketer, and our coaches and captains are so proud of all that Tom achieved in his career from his beginnings at Bideford CC.
“He will be remembered as a cheeky chappie, a good team man, and a great coach with the kids.”
Dad Tony said it was impossible to speculate how or why Tom came to fall from the bridge over the Torridge.
“I am sure that will come out at the inquest, whenever that takes place,” said Tony.
“He was due back at work this week, coaching sport to primary school children in Barnstaple.
“It was a job he loved doing – and I have heard from the headmaster the children are really upset about what has happened.”
Tony said the family are waiting for approval from the coroner before making funeral arrangements.
Cricket is a family affair for the Allin’s, not just Tom and Tony but Tom’s brother Matt as well.
All three have played for Bideford and for their near neighbours North Devon.
Tony was a spin bowler, Matt a wicketkeeper-batsman and Tom by necessity an all rounder.
“Matt was the one who really taught Tom how to play during hours of practice in the cow shed at our farm at Walland,” said Tony.
“There was a sort of indoor net in there and Matt used to get Tom to bowl at him all the time, which turned him from a batsman only into an all-rounder.”

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