Tom Maynard: Funeral of Surrey cricketer at Llandaff Cathedral

More than 1,000 mourners have attended the funeral of Surrey cricketer Tom Maynard at Llandaff Cathedral in his home city of Cardiff.

The 23-year-old was hit by a London Underground train in Wimbledon on 18 June.

Figures from the sporting world, including his teammates from Surrey and former club Glamorgan, were present.

Among those attending were cricketers Andrew Flintoff, Kevin Pietersen and Welsh rugby's Gareth Edwards.

Other past and present England cricketers there included Andrew Strauss, Marcus Trescothick and Robert Croft, Welsh boxer Nicky Piper, and England rugby player Danny Cipriani.

The large number of mourners meant about 100 were listening outside the cathedral.

The coffin, surrounded by four candles, was covered with flowers and a picture of the player was on display.

Canon Graham Holcombe led the service, which began with the hymn The Lord's My Shepherd.

It was followed by eulogies from Hugh Morris, managing director of England Cricket and a former Glamorgan captain, and the player's uncle, Charles Maynard.

Performer Lucie Jones, a friend from the player's home village of Pentyrch, then sang the first of her two songs during the service.

Many mourners listened to the service outside Llandaff Cathedral

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The player's father Matthew - a former England and Glamorgan cricketer - mother Sue and sister Ceri have said they are grateful for the "outpouring" of support.

Mr Morris said: "The presence of so many members of the cricket community tells me Tom was not only a player blessed with extraordinary talent, but somebody whose sense of fun and enjoyment made him a hugely popular figure within our game.

"No-one will feel a greater sense of loss today than Matt, Sue, Ceri and family."

He said the young cricketer was always "at the centre of activity, always a lively and entertaining presence, and never one to shirk any challenge - sporting or otherwise".

"What saddens me so much is that we have not only lost a hugely popular and colourful character, but one of the most exciting and explosive young batsmen," he said.

Glamorgan cricket captain Mark Wallace gave the third eulogy, and the hymn Guide Me Oh Thou Great Redeemer was sung.

Tom Maynard moved from Glamorgan to Surrey in 2011

A blessing was given before Ms Jones ended the service. She said after the service he was adventurous and hilarious and had an insatiable appetite for life.

She said: "It's a shame someone who lived that way has been lost so soon.

"It was such a hard person to have to sing for. He got a great send-off."

Strauss said after the service: "He was one of those guys that tried to enjoy himself.

"Today is also about celebrating him. It's hard to say goodbye."

Wallace said the number of people at the funeral showed how well the player was thought of in the world of cricket.

"He was well loved and well respected and it's such a tragedy that he's no longer with us," he said.

Richard Thompson, chairman of Surrey, said he was a one-off, special and irreplaceable.

The funeral, which started at midday, was at Llandaff and then Thornhill Crematorium.

An after-service event at nearby Pentyrch RFC is open only to friends, who are also encouraged to bring personal photos for a montage.

England cricketer Andrew Flintoff [L] and comedian and actor Jack Whitehall were among the mourners

The family have requested no flowers at either service, with donations instead to the Professional Cricketers' Association Benevolent Fund (c/o The Laker Stand, Kia Oval, Kennington, London SE11 5SS).

In a statement, the family have said they received hundreds of cards, letters and messages over the last week and that the scale of support had been "of real comfort" to them.

"Over the last few days the idea of setting up a trust fund in memory of Tom has been suggested and this is something that the family is interested in developing," the statement said.

They asked anyone interested in making a donation to send a cheque, made payable to The Tom Maynard Trust, c/o Jon Rees, Carston Accountants, Tudor House, 16 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9LJ.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned until 24 September.

The death, which is not being treated as suspicious, was announced a day after he played for his county in the t20 game against Kent.

He had previously played for Glamorgan until his father left his role as the club's coach in 2010.