Cyclists close in on £200,000 after riding from Durham to Lord's
A host of past and present cricketers are on course to surpass their fund-raising target for two of the game's best-known charities after a mammoth cycle trek.
Organisers of the Big Bike Ride are currently £10,000 short of collecting £200,000 for the Tom Maynard Trust and PCA Benevolent Fund after cycling from Durham to Lord's.
Yet following overwhelming support from friends, family, sponsors, and members of the public - and with monies still outstanding - they are confident of surpassing the six figure sum.
The ride, which began on Friday 18th October, saw a host of cricketers, administrators and fans of the game ride over some of the most testing terrain in England.
Among the current and former cricketers who took part were England hero Andrew Flintoff, international ODI & t20 star Jos Buttler, Somerset's Marcus Trescothick, former England bowler Alan Mullally, ex-New Zealand international Hamish Marshall, Essex's Graham Napier, Surrey's Gareth Batty, Middlesex's James Harris, and Durham's Phil Mustard.
They were joined by a host of fellow county professionals and cricket administrators, including CEO and Chairman of Surrey CCC & Somerset CCC, Richard Gould, Richard Thompson, Guy Lavender and Andy Nash, as well as Tom's father, former Glamorgan and England batsman, Matt Maynard.
Along the way riders stopped off at a number of England's leading cricket grounds, including the Emirates International Cricket Ground, Headingley, Emirates Old Trafford, Trent Bridge and Lord's.
They arrived at the Home of Cricket to a hero's welcome on Tuesday 22nd October shortly after covering the 441 miles in five days, and capped off proceedings yesterday by attending the PCA's Ashes Farewell Lunch for Alastair Cook's England team.
An auction at the lunch raised an extra £40,000 for both causes to go with the £150,000 that was gathered in before and during the ride.
Both the PCA Benevolent Fund and Tom Maynard Trust are grateful to everyone who pledged money on their BT Donate page http://thepca.co.uk/confirmed-riders.html or by buying a lot at the auction. Donations will be accepted until 23rd November 2013.
Matt Maynard said: "It was a very emotional five days for all of this involved and we owe a huge debt of gratitute to everyone who contributed, not just those who went through the pain barrier but everyone who made it happen."
Speaking on behalf of the players taking part, Somerset captain Marcus Trescothick said: "It was fantastic that so many players from across the country came together to support the two charities. It was their opportunity to give something back and support their fellow professionals who are less fortunate themselves."
Glamorgan Club Captain Mark Wallace, plus Dean Cosker and former players David Harrison (now Glamorgan Analyst), Dan Cherry (now SWALEC Stadium Venue Manager) and Ian Thomas (now PCA) Matthew Wood and Matthew Maynard himself, successfully endured the epic journey.
Glamorgan Cricket Stadium Manager, and former batsman, Dan Cherry said, "I want to say a massive thank you to everyone for sponsoring myself and Ian Thomas - we have now raised £3,260 which is great and has helped towards achieving our overall target of £200,000.
"The ride was much tougher than expected and if you are interested in hearing more I wrote a daily blog of events which can be found on the Tom Maynard Trust website under the latest news section.
"I got through in one piece but have a number of pains to show for it and I am looking forward to catching up on some sleep over the next few days!
"Thank you again - your support really is much appreciated!"
To learn more about the charities please see the following short videos: PCA Benevolent Fund http://vimeo.com/64823556 and Tom Maynard Trust http://vimeo.com/73291109
Tom Maynard Trust was set up in 2012 following the tragic loss of Surrey star Tom. It aims to help the development of aspiring, disadvantaged cricketers and other sportspeople requiring support in their careers.
The Benevolent Fund was founded by the PCA to help current and former players and their dependants in times of hardship, upheaval, or to readjust to the world beyond the professional game.
