Tributes have been paid to a much-loved and highly respected rugby player and kickboxing coach who has died aged 47.
Matt Bingham, fondly known as Bingers, has been remembered by Kidderminster Carolians RFC as “one of life’s true gentlemen” who was loved by many across the club.
Matt 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 across many of the club’s senior men’s teams.
This includes 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 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.
Matt died aged 47 following a courageous battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
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 was also a respected member of our M & J coaching team and has been instrumental in taking our current Colts team through from Under 7s, 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.”
Brian Smith with Matt Bingham receiving his 5th Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing (Image: Stourport UK Kickboxing)
Stourport UK Kickboxing Club have also paid tribute to their “much-loved friend” and coach.
Matt was a founding member of the club and “played an important part in the lives of so many people in our kickboxing family”.
Chief instructor Brian Smith said he had trained with Matt for 30 years and they had previously worked together at Titan Steel Wheels in Cookley, where Matt worked his way from an apprentice to senior technical manager.
In tribute to Matt, the team at Stourport UK Kickboxing Club said: “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.”
Matt will be deeply missed by his wife Donna, sons Callum and Scott, and all of his family and friends.
