A memorial rugby match will be held to celebrate the life of a “loving and caring family man” from Gants Hill.

Jonathan Selzer formerly of Eastern Avenue died in July last year aged 56 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

He left behind two children Robert and Hannah and wife of 29 years Jill who organised the match to be held at Rugby Club in Roding Lane North, Woodford Green on May 1 at 3pm.

Mrs Selzer said: “Jonathan was a passionate sportsman who was involved with the rugby club for more than 30 years as a player and referee so it was natural when he expressed a wish to have a match arranged in his memory.”

Mr Selzer played in England and Scotland and also managed Maccabi GB four times at the Maccabiah, the Jewish equivalent to the Olympic Games, held in Israel.

The first half of the match will see Wanstead take on members of the Maccabi squad while the second half will is open to anyone who makes a small donation.

Mrs Selzer said: “His legacy to us is his resilience, his enthusiasm and his courage to make the best of what we have, to enjoy the good times and remember his zest for life. We are grateful for our precious memories of so many happy times spent together and he is dearly missed.”

Friend and fellow rugby player Paul Lazarus described him as a man who “skilfully and very wonderfully brought people closer together, in an arena of respect, understanding and lifelong friendship”.

The event is being supported by the Rotary Club of Barkingside and will include an auction.

All proceeds will be donated to St Francis Hospice in Havering-Atte-Bower where Mr Selzer spent his last two weeks.

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/jocksscrumdown