David English

David Stuart English, CBE (4 March 1946 – 12 November 2022) was a British charity fundraiser, cricketer, actor, writer and former president of RSO Records. He was appointed MBE in the 2003 Birthday Honours, and CBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours for services to cricket and charity.

English founded the Bunbury Cricket Club, through which he raised £14m for charity. He was involved in the creation of the Bunbury Festival, a British under-15s cricket tournament that has helped the careers of over 1000 first-class cricketers, and over 125 international players.

English was a journalist on the Daily Sketch and then worked for Decca Records. He became President of RSO Records, signing artists including the Bee Gees and Eric Clapton. After leaving school, he worked on the ground staff at Lord's Cricket Ground. He later played cricket for the Marylebone Cricket Club.

Bunbury cricket club English set up Bunbury cricket club as a vehicle to raise funds for charity through which he raised £14m. The club recruited celebrities and former cricketers to play matches.

The characters in the books are rabbit puns on sporting personalities, mainly but not exclusively cricketers. Characters include: Ian Buntham (Ian Botham), Goldenhare Gower (David Gower), Dennis Lettuce (Dennis Lillee), Viv Radish (Viv Richards), Frank Buno (Frank Bruno) and Rajbun (Rajendrasinh Jadeja).

The Bunbury Tails The Bunbury Tails is a 1992 children's British animated TV series based upon the books. It was created by David English and Jan Brychta, and broadcast on Channel 4. Five episodes were made, with a theme song by David English and Barry Gibb and additional music by Elton John, Eric Clapton, The Bee Gees and George Harrison, who contributed the track "Ride Rajbun". An album of the music was also released with the same name with proceeds going to charity.

Death English died of a heart attack on 12 November 2022, at the age of 76. He was survived by his children (Amy and David Jr) and his partner Lia Lanaja.

The day after his death, the England cricket team playing in the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

The England and Wales Cricket Board wrote: "The ECB is saddened to learn of the loss of David English CBE. He did so much for the game, and for charity, and he played a part in the rise of many England Men’s cricketers. Our thoughts at this time are with his friends and family."

Autobiographies English wrote two autobiographies;