THE legendary Dickie Bird was never one to boast about his charity work but throughout his life he donated more than £1m to children’s charities across the region.

Born into a mining family, Dickie said they never had much money between them but his father always made sure there was always enough food on the table.

He was acutely aware of what it was like to be disadvantaged and in March 2004 he set up the Dickie Bird Foundation.

Its aim is to help financially disadvantaged young people across the United Kingdom to participate in the sport of their choice by assisting with the costs of equipment, clothing and travel.

It has since assisted numerous boys and girls to follow their aspirations in such diverse sports as cricket, horse racing, ice skating, golfing and athletics.

Closer to home, Dickie’s generosity was influential in Barnsley Hospital’s Tiny Hearts Appeal which helped open a state-of-the-art neonatal unit at the Gawber Road site.

In his own words, Dickie said he never had the chance to settle down and raise a family but the difference he has made to the lives of all these Barnsley babies meant just as much to him as it undoubtedly does to the families.

At a special event in 2020 after donating £100,000 to help the hospital surpass their £1m target, Dickie said: “The reason I have given £100,000 is simply because I don’t think it could go to a better cause.

“When I’ve seen little babies that are so poorly, I’ve had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.

“It brings me so much pleasure to see these same babies growing up fit and well.”

Jane Mills, charity development manager, added: “Dickie will be very sadly missed, but his legacy will live on through the support he has given to so many tiny lives.”

Barnsley Hospital chief executive Dr Richard Jenkins expressed deep condolences for the loss of Dickie and paid tribute to the cricket legend for his work over the years for the hospital and the Tiny Hearts Appeal.

Dr Jenkins said: “Dickie was a dedicated supporter of the hospital in so many ways.

“He always said that he donated £100,000 to our Tiny Hearts Appeal because Barnsley was his home town and he was so moved that tiny babies sometimes had to go through treatments and operations.

“He was a familiar and much-loved face around the trust.

“He often called into our restaurant for a meal and always made time for a chat and a joke with the many patients and staff who approached him, some wanting his autograph or a photo.

“He raised awareness through the Covid pandemic about the importance of exercising, shared his own tips for health for Older People’s Day, and judged our hospital bake-off competition.

“He regularly attended our annual Heart Awards celebration and was always emotional on the night when he heard our colleagues’ stories of care and compassion.

“We will greatly miss his kindness, humour and generosity and his long-standing appreciation of our hospital.”

Dickie was also an ambassador at the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, donating £55,000 since 2017.

Andy McNally, head of marketing at the fund, said: “We’re reeling from the terribly sad news that our ambassador Dickie Bird OBE has passed away.

“He took on the role of ambassador with CHSF in 2017 and gave £55,000 of his own money to our charity over the years.

“He spread our cause far and wide in regional media, and took time out of his diary to visit the children’s ward in Leeds on numerous occasions to lift everyone’s spirits.

“He was a very down-to-earth guy with charisma and humility, and knew exactly how to turn it on for the public and press.

“Dickie was a true local legend, and always great company.

“Our thoughts are with the rest of his friends - and of course, his family.”

He also paid £125,000 for a new balcony at Yorkshire CCC - which is named after him.

He said that was a proud moment for him.