The funeral takes place today for a promising young cricketer killed on the tracks near Wimbledon Park station.

Surrey batsman Tom Maynard, who lived in Wandsworth, was killed after suffering a massive electric shock and being hit by a District Line train train in the early hours of June 18.

The 23-year-old Welshman’s funeral will take place at 12pm today at Llandaff Cathedral and Thornhill Crematorium in Cardiff.

And last night, England rugby star Danny Cipriani - a former pupil at Whitgift School in Croydon - revealed his own tribute to his friend – a tattoo on his shoulder which reads “T.L.M. 55” – Tom Lloyd Maynard’s initials and his squad number for Surrey County Cricket Club.

Surrey have also retired the number 55 as a tribute to the rising star and son of England international Matthew Maynard.

A spokesman for the Maynard family said: “Matthew, Sue and Ceri would like to reiterate their thanks to everyone for the many hundreds of cards, letters, emails and messages they have received following the tragic death of their son Tom.

“The level of support has been of real comfort to them.”

The funeral will be followed by a gathering at Pentyrch Rugby Club for Tom’s family and friends, Surrey, Glamorgan and other current and former cricketers, and cricketing colleagues of both Tom and Matthew Maynard.

Those friends joining the family at Pentyrch RFC are being encouraged to bring their personal photographs of Tom to contribute to a photo montage the family would like to put together.

The spokesman added: “This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for Matthew, Sue, Ceri and other members of the family, but they would again like people to know just how grateful they are for the many kind comments and tributes being paid to their beloved Tom.”

An inquest has been opened and adjourned to determine how Mr Maynard died, after police said he was driving “erratically” down Arthur Road in a black Mercedes at just after 4am on June 18.

He was then said to have dumped the car in nearby Ryfold Road, next to the Wimbledon mosque, and set off on foot. He was found 45 minutes later on the train tracks at 5.03am.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said they would not investigate the incident because Maynard did not die when in police custody.

Mr Maynard’s death sparked tributes from the cricketing world, including former England captain Michael Vaughan, who said: "Thoughts are with Matt Maynard and his family. Words can't describe the terribly sad news that Tom Maynard has died aged 23."

Current England international Graham Onions said: "Words can't describe how sad I am hearing the news about Tom Maynard, my thoughts are with his family and friends #RIPTom."

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff said: "Tragic news that a great lad, Tom Maynard, is no longer with us. All my thoughts are with his family at this awful time."

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