Tributes have been paid to former Kent and England seamer Alan Igglesden who has died, aged 57.

Mr Igglesden, affectionately known as Iggy, revealed he was getting end of life care in May, following two major strokes and the growth of his brain tumour.

But inspirational Mr Igglesden went on to complete the Professional Cricketers’ Trust’s 5k in May despite facing severe disabilities, raising money for the Professional Cricketers’ Trust - the players' charity that has supported Mr Igglesden and his family over recent years.

He made his debut for Kent against Somerset in July 1986 and, in a career spanning two decades, he made 283 appearances for the county, taking 592 wickets across both first-class and List A cricket.

The right-arm bowler was awarded his Kent county cap in 1989 during a season in which he took 90 wickets in 42 matches, having made his England Test debut that year.

For England, Mr Igglesden made seven appearances across both formats (three Tests and four one-day internationals), taking eight wickets, including the dismissals of Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh on debut in the 1989 Ashes series.

He retired from the game in 1999 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour while playing minor counties cricket for Berkshire.

But he went on to raise money for charity through various events before his death this morning.

In a statement, Kent said they were "devastated" to learn the news.

The statement added: "After his diagnosis, he worked tirelessly to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for The Brain Tumour Charity, the largest dedicated fundraiser of research into brain tumours globally, and an organisation of which he was a patron.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his wife, Liz, and his friends and family at this desperately sad time."

He was "an inspiration to everyone he encountered", said the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA).

A PCA statement said Mr Igglesden "died peacefully at the age of 57 beside wife Liz, father Trevor and brother Kevin on the morning of November 1, while listening to his favourite musician Van Morrison".

It added: "'Iggy was a true cricketing giant in Kent, the county where he spent his entire playing career.

"Throughout his journey, Iggy's strength and courage in the face of adversity were nothing short of inspirational.

"Beloved by his students throughout his time in teaching, he went on to father one daughter, Beth, now eight years of age, as he built a family of his own alongside Liz."

Several players past and present have remembered Mr Igglesden fondly on Twitter.

Kent head coach Matt Walker said: "Truly heartbreaking.

"Iggy is a one in a million guy. He helped me hugely in the early days of my career and then became a great friend ever since.

"He fought this illness so hard like the champion he is and I’ll miss him greatly. RIP mate x."

Kent captain Sam Billings, who is with England's squad at the T20 World Cup, said: "Incredibly sad.

"An amazing human being who was so brave over the years. Will be sorely missed.

"Hero."

Former Kent captain David Fulton, one of Mr Igglesden's county team-mates who now works for Sky Sports, said: "Heartbreaking to hear that my old friend and team-mate Iggy has passed.

"It was wonderful to see him via FaceTime 10 days ago. He battled a brain tumour for more than 20 years and was an inspiration.

"Thinking of Liz and all the family at this incredibly sad time. #bignorm."

On Monday, fellow former Kent and England cricketer Dean Headley said: "I'm saddened today of the passing of Alan Igglesden - a true warrior who fought to the very end.

"My thoughts are with his family and Liz."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said: "So, sad. (He was) one of the game's true gents."

Fabian Cowdrey, formerly of Kent - and grandson to Colin Cowdrey - said: "Sending my thoughts and prayers to Alan Igglesden’s family at this sad time.

"Iggy was a brilliant man, loved by all that met him and a great friend of the family. RIP."

Mr Igglesden was born in Farnborough and also had a spell teaching at Sutton Valence School.

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