Race Across Glos – A Massive Success

On Friday, July 17th, the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation took part in our biggest-ever challenge. To run and cycle from the most northerly cricket club in the county to our home at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol.

Our reason for tackling this 90-mile odyssey was simple. To raise funds so that we can maintain our impact in communities and cricket clubs throughout Gloucestershire. We believe that cricket can change lives. Our mission is to put bats and balls into more people’s hands, and with the generous donations we received, we can create opportunities for young people or create new sustainable cricket programmes that support wellbeing and health initiatives for community organisations to own and deliver.

So at 8am (well, just after, as someone was running late), the first three members of our team left the picturesque ground of Ebrington Cricket Club in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to begin our epic journey.

In the early morning sunshine, we weaved our way through villages that looked like those portrayed in Hollywood versions of England, encouraged by strangers as we went about our journey. For Steve and Rob, this was just the first part of their endeavours as they would be cycling the entire distance, picking up colleagues along the way.

From cricket clubs to community centres, we were welcomed with open arms and warm receptions. At Bishops Cleeve Care Home, the residents provided much-needed sustenance, while the children at Christ Church Primary School in Cheltenham motivated us with inspiring posters.

On and on the miles ticked, as we went from the Cotswolds to the town hubs where we serve our communities with free cricket programmes for children, and Walking Cricket for older adults.

Much like the wheels of Steve and Rob’s bikes, the donations kept rolling. The generosity of the people of Gloucestershire drove us onwards through the aches, pains, and a stationary crash in a car park. No matter how big or small, each donation reminded us of why we were tackling this challenge.

As we reached the outskirts of Bristol, cricket clubs became hives of activity. Children arrived for the Friday night All Stars, Dynamos, and coaching sessions. Parents were socialising. Cricket clubs were showcasing that they are still key parts of their communities.

With the end in sight and light fading, we arrived at Frenchay CC to plates of warm food. Some fuel for the final push to home. As darkness began to fall, we entered the gates of the Seat Unique Stadium, our journey finally over.

Our Club Development Manager, Harry Watts, organised and was the architect of the event: “Race Across Glos was a huge success, as we smashed our initial fundraising target of £6,000! We received lots of support throughout the day and have many people to thank:

To the cricket clubs that we visited, the volunteers welcomed us with open arms and provided us with whatever we needed at exactly the right time. To the leisure providers, it was amazing to visit the sites that our community & delivery team use all year round. And to Christchurch Primary School, a school which we have coached in for a number of years now, a huge thanks to the Year 6 pupils and staff for taking the time to cheer us on during their last day at school – the handwritten support signs gave us exactly the boost we needed!”

“It’s our ambition to improve lives through the power of cricket and with every donation received for Race Across Glos, we’re able to deliver more cricket in areas that need it most. I can’t wait to see the impact that this has.”

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who donated to our cause. With your help, we will be able to put bats and balls into more people’s hands. A special thank you also to our sponsors for Race Across Glos, Publicity Matters, Glevum Windows, BOLA, JACKs Coffee Shack, and UES for sponsoring a leg of our journey, and to Gray-Nicolls for providing our fantastic pink kit.

Your generosity means that we have smashed our £6000 target, and at the time of writing we have received £7434. The link to donate is still open for a short time, so if you would like to support us, please do.

We also could not have done this event without being hosted by our cricket clubs, community settings, and Christ Church Primary School in Cheltenham. Thank you to: