Plymouth Civil Service & Roborough's Helen Smith was named as one of six Honorary Life Vice-Presidents at this week's ECB Annual General Meeting in Southampton.

Six cricketing champions have been announced as the ECB’s first Honorary Life Vice-Presidents, as part of a new initiative to celebrate individuals who have made exceptional contributions to breaking down barriers or demonstrated extraordinary long-term service to the game.

The six, three from the professional game and three from recreational cricket, were presented with commemorative silver bats to mark the honour at this week's ECB Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Southampton.

Helen was named the national Lifetime Achiever award winner in the 2022 Grasroots Cricket Awards (now Cricket Collective Awards) and was described by members of Plymouth Civil Service & Roborough CC as a "lifeline of the club in difficult times” and her dedication to the club was "inspiring."

The six recipients are:

  • Helen Smith - Helen has devoted 47 years to Plymouth Civil Service & Roborough Cricket Club. From scoring and preparing teas to founding the junior section and launching women’s cricket programmes, her passion has been central to the club's growth.
  • Raj Cherodian - For over 30 years, Raj has volunteered at Ifield Cricket Club, dedicating himself to growing the game both locally and across the Sussex community. From fundraising for new facilities to coaching youth players, his commitment has been unwavering.
  • Keith Cook - Keith retired this year after more than 50 years as Cricket Operations Manager at Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Since joining in 1973, he has been a constant presence through the club’s evolution—from portacabins to the modern Edgbaston. His embodiment of the 'Once a Bear, Always a Bear' spirit made him a beloved figure among players and staff alike.
  • David Lawrence - A formidable fast bowler with 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire and five Test appearances for England, David was the first British-born Black cricketer to represent the national team. Now President of Gloucestershire CCC, he continues to inspire with his courage and resilience following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease.
  • Ron Pearson - Ron has spent 63 years transforming Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club into a true community hub. From player to secretary, his leadership has built vital facilities and nurtured youth development. He was also honoured with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 2025 National Cricket Collective Awards.
  • Alec Stewart - A legend of English cricket, Alec scored 8,463 Test runs across 133 Tests, setting the standard on the field and later as a coach and Director of Cricket. Under his leadership, Surrey CCC secured four county championships, including a historic three-peat. He remains a brilliant role model for the game.

Helen Smith with her ECB Lifetime Achiever Award in 2022.

Until now, the ECB had no formal process at the highest level for recognising those who have made significant contributions to the game. These new accolades will be awarded annually to a select few individuals who have helped grow the sport, broken down barriers, or given extraordinary service as players, volunteers, or employees. They represent the pinnacle of ECB recognition, alongside the Cricket Collective Awards and the Business of Cricket Awards.

Speaking at the ECB's AGM, Devon Cricket Foundation CEO Matt Theedom said:

"I had the great privilege to witness the special moment at the ECB AGM, as Helen was awarded one of the first ever ECB Honorary Vice Presidencies - a truly well-deserved recognition of her outstanding dedication and service to volunteering in the game."