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.