Former Lincolnshire cricketers take on challenge to support grassroots cricket

CEO of Lincolnshire Cricket, Martyn Dobson and founder of The Fitness Barn, Paul Cook (both former Lincolnshire County Cricketers) are teaming up to tackle a mammoth running challenge to raise money to support grassroots cricket.

Martyn and Paul will run from the Barton on Humber, the most northerly Cricket Club in Lincolnshire, to the most southerly cricket club in Lincolnshire, Stamford, over just 36 hours. In total the pair will cover approximately 95 miles and will look to pass by as many amateur cricket clubs as possible as they make their way down the county.

The pair are attempting the challenge on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 June with all funds raised being split between national cricket charity ‘Chance to Shine’, who specialise in bringing cricket to state schools and for a ‘Cricket Restart Fund’ which aims to support amateur cricket clubs in Lincolnshire to resume activity once restrictions are lifted and recreational sport is possible again. In addition, the pair will be making a financial contribution to Samaritans, a mental health charity.

Martyn Dobson said, “We all know that sport plays a significant role in positively contributing to an individual’s health and well-being, but it’s also a fantastic vehicle to bring communities together and promote social interaction, all of which will be incredibly important as we move out of lockdown and begin to rebuild and recover from the coronavirus pandemic.”

Paul Cook commented, “The idea came through conversation between Martyn and myself and we both felt that now was a good time to raise money and do something positive that will benefit young people and cricket clubs in the county. I play at a local cricket club and have seen first-hand the benefits that community organisations like cricket clubs can deliver, hopefully this will raise funds that can help them to get back to doing what they do best.”

At all times Martyn and Paul will observe guidelines around social distancing and will regularly review the logistics of the challenge to ensure compliance with the latest government advice.

To donate to the Top to Bottom challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ToptoBottom2020

Track their progress on the Lincolnshire Country Cricket Facebook.

Latest

Donate

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.
Trek the Alps for Chance to Shine

Are you looking for some adventure in 2024? Join Chance to Shine’s new overseas trek in September 2024 where you will spend three exclusive days hiking the beautiful mountains of the Alps with ‘Team Chance to Shine’ and a former England cricketer.
A joint statement on the findings of the ICEC Report

A joint statement from Chance to Shine, The ACE Programme and Lord's Taverners on the findings of the ICEC Report.
Tim Score to take up the role as Chair of Chance to Shine

Chance to Shine are pleased to announce that Tim Score will take up the role as Chair of the charity from 1st September 2023.

Free school resources

Chance to Shine has built a powerful bank of free cricket teaching resources for primary schools so teachers can lead their own cricket sessions. The resources include lesson plans, instructional videos and top tips.
About us

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.
Street cricket

Chance to Shine Street cricket is fast, fun and free. It's played with a tapeball and requires no protective equipment. It's cricket's answer to five-a-side football.
Primary schools

Chance to Shine work in state primary schools across England and Wales supporting schools to deliver cricket coaching to their pupils. We teach cricket in primary schools and support teachers with free resources including lesson plans, videos and tips from the professionals.
The challenge

Chance to Shine believes in how the power of cricket can help children from state schools and deprived communities. We know that many children are missing out on the benefits of physical eduction particularly girls, those from a BAME background and from a lower socio-economic background.
Contact Us

Contact Chance to Shine, the national cricket charity, who spread the power of cricket in state schools and communities across the country.
Get cricket in your school

Here's how Chance to Shine can support your school in delivering cricket.
Secondary schools

We provide competition opportunities for children in state secondary schools. We have also developed a set of digital resources for teachers. Chance to Shine will also deliver a girls' cricket programme in secondary schools, training young leaders and developing life skills through playing the sport.
Work for us

Job opportunities at children's charity Chance to Shine. Come and help us spread the power of cricket.
Our story

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.