Three soldiers will each be running a marathon, made up of 2,387 lengths between two sets of cricket stumps, in their gardens this weekend to raise money for the NHS and Chance to Shine.  

Charlie Newman, Rob Cross and Rob Treasure, will be wearing cricket whites, gloves and carrying a bat for the event on Saturday 2 May, which they hope will raise £2,000 for NHS Charities Together and Chance to Shine.

The three friends, who met at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, say they were inspired by the fundraising efforts of 100-year-old Captain Tom Moore, who has so far raised over £29m by walking 100 lengths of his back garden.

“We think it’s a great chance to do something unique during isolation for the benefit of others” explains Newman. “We’ve seen on the news that a few people are running marathons in their gardens, we don’t think we’ve seen anyone yet doing it in cricket kit.”

The men’s previous running experience varies, but the trio all enjoy physical challenges. Treasure has completed in a triathlon, Cross has previously run half marathons in all 18 first-class cricketing playing counties whilst Newman has completed marathons and a half Ironman.

“We’ve been inspired by the tireless work that front-life medical staff and key workers are currently doing,” added Cross.

“We know it’s a difficult time for lots of people at the moment, so any bit of joy, support or entertainment we can bring to people through this challenge would I’m sure be well received.” 

The challenge will be livestreamed via our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/chancetoshinecricket and the trio encourages as many people in tune in as possible.

To donate to the cause, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HitandRun