Cricket fan's post mortem ashes test

Cricket fan Stanley Johnson is going on his own ashes tour – sending eight of his closest friends on trip to scatter his remains at grounds around the world. Mr Johnson, a former accountant, left enough money in his will for his mates to visit 12 of his favourite test cricket grounds.

At each, they will scatter some ashes, sup a local pint in memory of their friend and sing a special song. They will receive full instructions of the tour itinerary at The Oval in London ahead of the fourth test against India on August 18. His friend Derek Torkington said: ‘It could be a tube of Foster’s in Australia for one or a pint of Thwaites in our local club for another.



‘He left enough money to make sure his final Ashes tour could be undertaken.’ Mr Johnson, who played for Church and Accrington cricket clubs in Lancashire, died aged 72 in December 2009. He travelled the world watching cricket, reputedly seeing 230 test matches.

His cousin Christine said: ‘Stanley was a real cricket fan in life and death. All the instructions about where people must go with his ashes were in his will and now those wishes will be carried out.’ The group of friends are expecting to head to the West Indies, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan... and humble Church CC in Lancashire.