The Andy Gill Memorial Squash Championships 2009

The Andy Gill Memorial squash Championships are unique in a sporting world where commemorative matches or events for sportsmen tragically lost in their prime are quite common. Sometimes a second event is staged. But how often does one carry on for 25 years without any sign of waning?

Andy Gill died of cancer at the early age of 23, at a time when he was well known in the North West as a young man who combined entertaining squash and a cheeky smile with the maturity to be Lancashire Team Captain.

The man behind the championships is Tournament Promoter Barry King, who was Lancashire Team Manager at the time of Andy's death. Barry has encouraged and cajoled sponsors to support the event throughout its 25 years, and many sponsors have like Barry been around since day one.

Perhaps fittingly the first title went to Lancashire team mate, David Pearson who went on to win the next four and subsequently become National Coach. Other early winners were Martin Bodimeade and Neil Harvey, followed by Paul Lord (twice), Simon Parke, Gary Thwaite and Derek Ryan. Nick Taylor won his first in 1995 then went on to win five in seven years. Marcus Berrett won in 2000, 2002 and 2004. James Willstrop won in 2003 following being runner up in the previous two. Stuart Boswell of Australia won in 2005 going on to become World Number 15. The current champion in Cheshire's Andy Whipp who will be trying for three in a row this year.

Christies Hospital Manchester, a leading Cancer Research Centre, where Andy received treatment, is the beneficiary from the event that has grown over the years to be regarded as the North's premier early season event. It is also unique in that the format allows local league players including top women such as Vicky Botwright and Laura Lengthorn-Massaro to play against some of the top male professionals.

Maple Squash Club in Oldham was the tournament's original home, but following closure, the event transferred to its adopted home at Rochdale Cricket, Lacrosse and Squash Club in 1996.

Tony Parker ran the event for the first ten years and retains the role of Tournament Referee, before passing on the reins to Rob Slater in 1994.