A FOUNDER member of Kilwinning Sports Club has died at the tragically early age of 53.

Ian Cashmore – who was confined to a wheelchair when he was only 21 after breaking his neck during training with Ayr United – lost his fight with cancer last Monday.

‘Cashy’ was born in Corsehill and attended Ravenspark Academy in Irvine where he started his footballing career. He made the Corsehill Under 18s side at the tender age of 15 before moving to Blacklands Boys Club. At 17, Ian was invited to play for Ayr United by Ayr United Boys Club in the International Youth Tournament scoring four goals. He was snapped up by Ayr and served there for four years under Willie McLean before his tragic accident ended his career.

Despite his disability he stayed involved with youth football in Kilwinning and in 2000 helped to found Kilwinning Sports Club.

The club paid tribute to Ian in their website this week.

It reads: “We all have our own memories of Ian, and as we reflect on these in our quieter moments we can be proud to have known him as a friend and colleague, and we are all better people for having known him.

“We can only imagine the grief that the family is feeling at the loss of Ian, and our condolences are with them.

“We hope that the messages of support that they have received from so many people will give them a real sense of pride in the contribution that Ian has made to the lives of so many people.

“Cashy will be sorely missed by so many people in the Ayrshire football community, but we are truly blessed to have known him.” Ian is survived by his wife Cathy and three children Ian, Lauren and Amanda.