Cricket stars line up to hit 50 for Chance to Shine

To celebrate turning 50, legendary Sky News sports presenter Jon Desborough is organising a charity fundraising cricket match between his Celebrity Dream XI and local club Harpenden CC in Hertfordshire, with the aim of raising £10,000 for Chance to Shine. Angus Fraser, Jack Russell and Irish international Kevin O'Brien are among the stars taking part.

A passionate cricket fan, Jon sees Chance to Shine as a fantastic cause that provides young people from all backgrounds with the support and opportunity he never had when he was a child.

As an enthusiastic young cricketer Jon never had the coaching and resources to further his cricket and so he sadly resigned himself to the spectator stands at the tender age of 15. He began his resurgence onto the cricket pitch just three years ago, having admired the majestic cover drive of former England captain Michael Vaughan, whom he holds personally responsible for getting him back into the sport.

In an apparent tactical move to minimise the chance of sustaining any injuries from potentially grudge-holding fast bowlers of his own club, Jon has gone all out to put together an extremely strong dream team. Captained by former England bowler Angus Fraser, it will feature the world record holder for fastest century ever scored in a World Cup, Irish international Kevin O'Brien, as well as a wealth of former England talent in Surrey speed-demon Alex Tudor, Gloucestershire painter-turned-wicketkeeper Jack Russell and Gloucestershire keeper/batsman John Batty. Other talent includes former Hampshire and Middlesex off-spinner Shaun Udal former Kent wicketkeeping batsman Steve Marsh; ex-Luton, Wimbledon and England striker Mick Harford; friends, and of course the man himself, reportedly an erratic but potent strike-bowler.

The match takes place at 2.30pm on Sunday 4th September at Harpenden Cricket Club. In addition to what promises to be an enthralling encounter between two strong teams. Admission for general public is free.

There will also be a raffle, with some fantastic prizes to be won, including tickets to watch the CB40 final plus a tour of Lord's, a crate of Bell's Whisky, a signed England World Cup shirt, a tour of the Sky TV compound at any Test, one year's subscription to The Cricketer, and many more.

Prices: Table of 10, £1250. Premium table (9+VIP guest), £2000.

For more information and tickets, please call Ali Price on 07557006384 or email: [email protected]

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Every gift is important and every pound we receive helps to give more young people the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket.

Currently, every donation made to Chance to Shine is being matched pound for pound by the ECB. So any gift you make will go twice as far.

If you would prefer to send a cheque rather than donate online, please make it payable to Chance to Shine and send to Chance to Shine, Kia Oval, London SE11 5SW.

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Chance to Shine is a national cricket charity that works in state schools and communities to spread the power of cricket. We believe that all children should be given the opportunity to play and learn through cricket. We believe that cricket teaches children valuable skills like communication, teamwork and respect that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
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Chance to Shine is an independent charity that works to spread the power of cricket in schools and communities across the country. Set up as the Cricket Foundation, the charity aims to provide opportunities in state schools and deprived communities.