Sir Ian Botham rushed to be by dying mother's side

London, Apr 27, (ANI): Former England cricketer Sir Iam Botham hurried to be by the side of his dying mother after ending a 150-mile charity walk.

Mrs Marie Botham, 85, was admitted to the Yeovil District Hospital with pneumonia over Easter but expired early on Sunday from organ failure after contracting septicaemia.

Sir Ian, 56, called off celebrations of his fund raiser, to rush to his 85-year-old mother in Yeovil, Somerset.

"Everybody was there with her, including Ian. I think it hasn't sunk in yet. I always thought Mum would reach her 100th birthday," the Daily Express quoted Ian's sister, Dale Knight, as saying.

"She had a great sense of humour, she loved a good party and loved her pink champagne. She was very generous with her time and very family oriented. I can't thank the hospital enough because they have been absolutely brilliant," the 55-yr-old daughter of Mrs. Botham said.

Marie Botham was a parish councillor for many years and a member of the Royal British Legion, visiting schools to talk about the war. (ANI)