Chance to Shine are delighted to hear that England's Barmy Army raised £6,250 at the Barmy Army Charity night on Thursday 29th March in Galle. The money will be split evenly between Chance to Shine and a Sri Lankan based charity.

The night was held at the Cormoran Beach Club on Unawatuna Beach and included Sri Lankan dancers, a band, Bill the Trumpet, plus a raffle and auction. Over 700 cricket fans attended the party; in total raising £6,250.

The money raised for Chance to Shine will be added to the collection made in memory of George Summerside or George the Podge, a renowned Barmy Army member who sadly died earlier this year. As well as his love of England, he was also a keen Durham fan and the money raised is specifically going to that area. Chance to Shine will be working with the Barmy Army over the coming months in confirming how this money will be used.

In Galle the charity is Their Future Today - a foundation directly working with locals helping orphans and whom the Barmy Army has worked with over previous years.

The money was raised through the auction and raffle - with Michael Vaughan's bat and Jonathan Trott's signed Barmy Army cap particular favourites. Perhaps unsurprisingly the signed 'Swann will tear you apart' t-shirt also did well and was an inspiration for much of the singing that took place over the evening.

The Barmy Army will be holding another charity event on Monday 2nd April at Mount Lavinia with beach cricket, beach volleyball from 2pm.