Top York cricketer and PE teacher dies after cancer battle aged just 32

Spin bowler Daniel Woods has passed away after a battle with cancer of the oesophagus.

Daniel was a top local league cricketer who had also represented Cheshire at the sport. He was married to wife Heather and lived at Clifton Moor, near York.

Daniel taught PE at St Peter's School in York, one of the north's leading independent schools and the alma mater of England wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow. He had previously worked at Cundall Manor School near Thirsk.

He was first captain of Yorkshire Premier League side York from 2011 until 2014, when he gave up the role to focus on his Minor Counties career with Cheshire.

In 2013 he took all 10 wickets in a single innings against Castleford. In his first six years at the club he won five league titles and the National Club Championship. He later returned to York for a second spell and took on the captaincy again.

Woods went public with his diagnosis in September 2019, having fallen ill the previous winter, although he made occasional appearances for York last summer during his treatment.

He had to hand over the captaincy to Duncan Snell during his illness.

He was originally treated for a stomach ulcer after suffering from indigestion, stomach aches and weight loss, but was sent for an endoscopy which revealed a tumour.

Daniel, who grew up in Hyde, near Manchester, has a history of cancer in his family and his condition was thought to have a genetic link.

York Cricket Club paid tribute to Daniel in a Tweet, posting:-

"Rest in peace now Woodsy. Thank you for everything. No words will take away the pain we’re all feeling. We’ll never forget you."