Frederick “Freddy” Tucker, a West End sportsman who helped to turn a friendly annual cricket match into a force for charity, has died. He was 95.

Mr Tucker was the last founding member of the Harris Bay and Somerset Old Boys cricket teams and was chairman of the Old Boys in his later years. The clubs held matches starting in 1952, but in 1963 committed to playing for charity.

Mr Tucker created the annual matches, held on the first Thursday of September, with former Cleveland County player Harrington Zuill.

The popular event started with Mr Zuill, of the Flatts contingent, buying a trophy.

He approached Mr Tucker, who gathered Somerset friends to organise a game. By the time of the last match, in 2012, the clubs had raised more than $70,000 for local causes.

Mr Tucker, a lifelong Somerset resident, was also a keen fisherman and one of the founders of the Somerset Colts baseball team and the Somerset Bluebirds softball team. He was a former secretary and vice-president of Somerset Cricket Club.

Mr Tucker worked as a carpenter at the United States bases in Southampton and St George’s and organised cricket matches between the two.

Mr Tucker was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2002 for his service to the community.

At the time, he joked to The Royal Gazette that he had to ask if they had “the right Freddy Tucker” when contacted for the award.

Mr Tucker was also the father of former Somerset all-rounder, Reggie Tucker Sr and grandfather of cricketer and footballer Reggie Tucker Jr.

A service to celebrate his life was held yesterday at St James’ Anglican Church, Sandys.