THE LIFE of a popular Oxford school teacher is to be celebrated with a fundraising cricket match.

Linda Baynham taught history at Peers School in Littlemore – now the Oxford Academy – for more than 20 years.

The 53-year-old collapsed at the wheel of her car while driving in Cowley in January and died from a brain haemorrhage at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Ms Baynham, a mother of two from Dorchester-on-Thames, had worked at Meadowbrook College in Marston for the last two years, helping children who had been excluded from schools.

On Bank Holiday Monday, August 29, Dorchester Cricket Club will host a match in her memory to raise funds for an Oxford children’s charity.

Her husband of 25 years, Michael Stimpson, who is heavily involved with the club’s youth section, said: “Following Linda’s death in January, Dorchester Cricket Club offered to organise a cricket match in her memory.

“This was a lovely gesture from the club, and very appropriate, as Linda was very knowledgeable about cricket, having watched members of her family play numerous games. She also knew a good fast bowler when she saw one and named our cat after Gladstone Small, who was an England player at the time.”

Touring side Conway Cavaliers, who Mr Stimpson plays for, will take on a Dorchester XI in a 35-over match at the club at 2pm. A youth match is also planned for the morning.

A barbecue and bar will be operated throughout the day, alongside a fund-raising raffle.

Mr Stimpson said: “All proceeds from the game will be donated to the Parasol Project, an Oxford charity that organises activities for disadvantaged and disabled children.

“Linda was a teacher at Meadowbrook College in Marston and a number of pupils from the school have benefited from the good work of the Parasol Project.”

Dorchester club captain Adrian Redhead said: “Mike and his two sons James and Jack have been involved in the cricket club for many years, Mike as youth manager and Jack and James have played for many seasons.

“Linda was often seen watching her family in action on the cricket field and it will be a pleasure to have a game in her memory while raising funds for the Parasol Project.”

The match takes place at Dorcester Recreation Ground, off Drayton Road in the village.

All spectators are welcome.