<<< 16 – 23 February 2013

Three cricket-loving team mates are swapping grass for tarmac to walk 150 miles to Lords to raise money for Darley Dale Cricket Club (DDCC), Cancer Research UK and the Matlock Hospitals League of Friends.

The trio from Matlock, school teacher Jonny Shaw (26), university lecturer Stuart Taylor (34) and IT systems engineer Jon Cooper (34) will embark on their foot blistering voyage at 9am on Saturday 16 February in celebration of the club’s 150th anniversary.

Walking over 20 miles a day for eight days, they will make nightly pit stops at Derbyshire County Cricket Club in Derby; Loughborough; Market Harborough; Northampton; Milton Keynes; Luton and Watford, before they arrive at cricket Mecca Lords in London on Saturday 23 February.

They want to raise as much money as possible for the two charities as well as their beloved club which has played a central role in the Darley Dale community since 1863. The team hope that the money raised from the walk, and other fundraising activities planned throughout the year, will take them a step closer to their dreams of a new pavilion.

“Like many other members of the team I’ve been playing here since I was a kid and I want to help make sure that we can keep the club’s legacy alive for another 150 years so it can remain an integral part of the local community long into the future. 

“Although it’s a massive mission I can’t wait to get cracking and make sure we reach our destination, no doubt with a few blisters along the way!” said Stuart.

Speaking about their chosen charities, Johnny said: 

“CRUK is a cause very close to both mine and Stuart’s hearts because if it wasn’t for their vital research our mums might not be here today. The Whitworth Hospital was also top of the list for everyone at the club because even though it’s only small it’s had a massive impact on all of us at DDCC, caring for so many of our friends and families over the years. And of course it’s been handy to have a walk-in centre at the top of the road when one of us has taken a direct hit from a fast bowler!”

Supporting the players on their mission (by car!) is club treasurer and lifelong DDCC player, Simon Cottrell: “The lads have got a real challenge on their hands and it certainly won’t be easy. I really hope that as many people as possible dig deep and donate as much as they can, to not only help us achieve our dreams of a new pavilion, but raise vital funds for two very important charities too.”

Donations to the Darley Dale Cricket Club 150th fund can be made via its Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/darleydalecricketclub or by texting DDCC13 to 70070.

Further details on the 150th anniversary celebrations can be found at www.darleydalecc.co.uk. Donations can also be made via the website by clicking on the ‘Just Giving’ link. 

Events throughout the year’s celebrations include

  • Natwest Cricketforce weekend (5-7 April
  • Pro Cricket 6’s competition (5 May)
  • Week long festival of cricket (22 -27 July)
  • End of season gala dinner (date TBC in November)