THE members of East Harlsey Cricket Club have this month embarked on a mammoth challenge with the aim of raising awareness and funds for a pavilion redevelopment.

With all competitive cricket currently on-hold, members of the club have been raising funds whilst also keeping fit for when local cricket can restart.

Spirits were lifted in lockdown with news of a £50.000 offer from Sport England, a major step towards the club realising its long-held ambition of upgrading its pavilion. The result will be a facility which can be used more widely, with the aim of forging further close links between the club and the local community, to the benefit of all.

As part of the campaign to raise an additional £20,000 of the project’s budget through crowdfunding, members are attempting to walk, cycle and run a combined total of 4,600 miles by July 1. The distance represents a virtual journey to Abu Dhabi, current home of Harlsey batsman Tim Parker, who won’t be able to return for a visit this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Undeterred by recent unseasonably cold, wet conditions, members young and old had already completed a magnificent 1,983 miles by Sunday, June 13.

This fundraising endeavour can be supported by donations through the club’s pages on www.gofundme.com/f/naddd-east-harlsey-cricket-club-4600-mile-challenge or www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/eastharlseycricketclub