Tributes to 'much-loved and highly respected' West Midlands rugby player and kickboxing coach

Tributes have been paid to a “much-loved and highly respected” rugby player and kickboxing coach who has died.

Matt Bingham, known to many as Bingers, has died aged 47 following a courageous battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

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Tributes have been paid by Kidderminster Carolians RFC who described him as “one of life’s true gentlemen”.

He was known for his time in the M & J section as a player before progressing into senior rugby taking to the field in the front row.

When not playing in the black and amber, he would frequently wear the pink and blue of The Nags Charity Barbarians, raising money in support of Cancer Research.

He was also a respected member of the club’s M & J coaching team.

Paying tribute, club chairman Mark Barrett said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that a great clubman Matt Bingham aka Bingers has sadly passed away following his courageous battle against motor neurone disease (M.N.D). over the last three years.

“At this time, thoughts from of all the KCRFC Rugby Family are with Matts wife Donna along with Callum and Scott his two sons, who along with Matt as a family are a big part of our club.

“Matt will be known and loved by many across our club, for his time in the M & J section as a player, progressing into senior rugby taking to the field in the front row, across many of our senior men’s teams. From captaining the 2nd XV for a number of years, playing in the First XV and more recently playing and touring on foreign soil with the Veterans XV.

“When not playing in the Black & Amber he would frequently wear the Pink & Blue of The Nags Charity Barbarians raising money in support of Cancer Research.

“Matt was also a respected member of our M & J coaching team and has been instrumental in taking our current Colts team though from Under 7’s helping shape them into the team they are today.

“He was one of life’s true gentleman, if he could help you in any way he always would, so when last year he was asked to join the club coaching committee, you can guess the answer, yes.

“In the words of the family “Matt was a much-loved and highly respected man who touched the lives of many. He will be remembered for the person he was, the lives he impacted, and the memories he leaves behind. Rest in peace, Matt. You will never be forgotten”

“As a club we echo these words and he will be sadly missed by many across, our club, the rugby community and beyond.”

Stourport UK Kickboxing Club have also paid tribute to their “much-loved” coach.

Matt was a founding member and coach of the club, and was described by them as “a much-loved friend who played an important part in the lives of so many people in our kickboxing family”.

The team at Stourport UK Kickboxing Club said: “It is with immense sadness that Stourport UK Kickboxing Club announces the passing of our much-loved Coach Matt Bingham.

“Matt was a founding member and coach of our club, and a much-loved friend who played an important part in the lives of so many people in our kickboxing family.

“For the past three years, Matt battled Motor Neurone Disease (MND) with incredible strength. Throughout this time, he remained an important part of our club and will always be remembered for the contribution he made, the knowledge he shared and the friendships he built over the years.

“Matt was far more than a founding member and coach. He was a friend to many, and his loss will be deeply felt throughout our club and the wider community. The memories, friendships and legacy he leaves behind will never be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are with Donna, Callum, Scott and all of Matt’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“Thank you, Matt, for everything you gave to Stourport UK Kickboxing Club. You will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. Rest in peace, Coach Matt.”