FOUR members of Winterbourne Cricket Club are walking 127 miles from the Bristol County Ground to Lord’s to raise money for brain tumour research.
Former players Jim Bath (pictured left), Keith Ford and Nick Bracey, the father of England and Gloucestershire star James, along with social member Dave Gover (right) are setting off on Wednesday with the aim of arriving at arguably the most famous cricket ground in the world on Sunday.
The group had originally set themselves a target of £5,480, the equivalent of funding two days of research at a specialist brain tumour centre.
But friends, family and the wider sporting community have been so generous in their backing that the aim now is to raise £10,000!
Dave, whose niece Zoe Beard died last year of a brain tumour, said: “We’re so grateful for all the support we’ve received for such an important cause.
“Players and members at Winterbourne Cricket Club have dug deep into their pockets for us, as have the members at Kendleshire Golf Club.
“We’ve been preparing for the walk for a while and can’t wait to get underway.”
The group are aiming to average around 27 miles a day, and will very roughly follow a network of canals that will take them to within 150 yards of Lord’s, stopping off at Semington, Great Bedwyn, Theale and Slough before the final push to HQ, with John Pearce offering support along the way.
The lads’ fundraising effort is also being boosted by an auction of several very special sporting items.
James Bracey has donated the England shirt he wore on debut against New Zealand, while England batting coach Marcus Trescothick has handed over a signed Somerset shirt along with a signed and framed picture of the England squad in South Africa last year.
Bristol Bears have also joined in by donating a signed shirt, as has Bristol City goalkeeper Max O’Leary whose signed boots are up for grabs along with Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian’s signed gloves.
To make a bid for any of these items, send a direct message to either Jim Bath or Dave Gover via Facebook, or through Jim’s twitter account: @jimbath39 or Dave, @DMGOVER
Donations can also be made via: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/roadtolords