Runners take their Chance to Shine

Sunny Brighton was the venue as six runners bravely took on the ultimate challenge in aid of Chance to Shine last weekend.....The Marathon! Despite the blustery conditions all six completed the grueling 26.2 miles of the Brighton Marathon and raised a combined total of £4,000 for Chance to Shine!

Our runners included Jim Hindson, the ex-Notts cricketer and current Commercial Manager at The Cricketer.

Speaking about his decision to pick Chance to Shine as his chosen charity Jim said: "My motivation for running was very simple. The Chance to Shine charity plays a key role with children, in educating them how to win and lose, how to interact with each other and morally, how to behave."

Chance to Shine, and its sister programme, StreetChance teaches young people of all backgrounds potentially vital lessons. I have witnessed at first hand that the charity gets its hands dirty. From the most urban of urban estates where they teach kids and the police how to play cricket and work together as a team - through to isolated primary schools, where they help create a sustainable culture of sport and provide a maths education that can be far more accessible to some than one found on the syllabus.

Another one of our successful runners was Ross Farrar, Development Officer at Gloucestershire Cricket Board. Ross finished the course in an incredible time of under 3 hours 20 minutes. Looking back on the race, Ross said: "Brighton Marathon 2012 was my first marathon so I wasn't sure what to expect. However the day was fantastic. The reason why I ran for the Cricket Foundation's Chance to Shine initiative was that being heavily involved within cricket development in the South West I have seen first-hand the great things Chance to Shine brings to schools, cricket clubs and the community. Therefore I wanted to show my support and run for them. I would 100% recommend to anyone thinking of running the marathon, it is a great feeling crossing that finish line something that is too hard to describe. I now have the bug and will certainly be going back for more marathons in the future!"

It was not only Chance to Shine supporters who got involved. Cricket Foundation employee Ali Price also completed the race whilst raising money for Chance to Shine. Speaking after the event Ali said: "Taking on 26.2 miles was probably the biggest challenge I have ever had to do in my life but it was worth all the effort and pain. Not only did I accomplish a personal goal, but it also gave me the opportunity to raise lots of money for a cause close to my heart. I would highly recommend taking on a challenge event as a way to raise money for Chance to Shine, as the reward is not just personal."

Our runners and their finals times can be seen below:

Ross Farrer - 3:13:45

Tom Watson - 3:39:43

Alastair Price - 3:48:44

Mayur Patel - 3:54:59

James Hindson - 4:36:15

Edward Crowther - 4:47:53

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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.

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.
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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.