Basketball club raises £31k after player's death

Ipswich Basketball Club said Lee Linton-Hodges died on 5 October

A fundraiser for a basketball player who died suddenly has raised more than £31,000.

Ipswich Basketball Club announced its player Lee Linton-Hodges had passed away on 5 October.

The 7ft (2.1m) player, whose career started in 2005, was described as a "gentle giant" by his club and former teammates.

Nick Drane, the head coach, said: "Lee was the dearest of dear friends and someone who meant so much to me, and to so many people."

Linton-Hodges had represented England at junior level before playing for the London Leopards.

He won the National Cup in 2018 with Hemel Storm, Basketball England said.

Mr Drane added: "I had the privilege of knowing Lee for over 20 years and basketball was only a small element of our relationship."

Linton-Hodges was described as a "gentle giant"

A GoFundMe page was set up by the Ipswich club, raising about £31,100 for funeral costs and for his family.

"We will all do everything to support his beautiful family through this incredibly difficult time," Mr Drane said.

Teammate Colin Dockrell said: "He wore his heart on his sleeve and was never afraid to show his emotional side, both on and off the court.

"What he will be remembered for by most is how someone of such incredible size could also be so playful, excitable and humorous," Mr Dockrell added.

Essex Rebels said they were "devastated" by the death of Linton-Hodges and said he had had an "immeasurable impact both on and off the court".

The fundraising page was closed on Wednesday, the Ipswich club said.