England cricketers bowl into Rainbows with donation

The England Women’s Cricket Team braved arctic conditions to bowl into Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People – and present a four-figure donation.

The team first visited the Loughborough-based centre, which offers support to youngsters with life-limiting conditions, before setting off for their successful 2017 World Cup campaign. 

And squad members subsequently decided to raise cash for the charity by running 100km on Christmas Day.

Captain Heather Knight said: “The England Women’s Cricket Team are supporters of Rainbows hospice. We have seen first-hand the fantastic work the hospice does for children, young people and their families. On Christmas Day our squad collectively ran the distance to raise money and awareness for Rainbows – a cause we all feel connected to.”

The Cricketers’ seasonal run raised more than £3,000 for the charity.

The team also added its tour fines money. “It is tradition that on every tour we go on we collect money from players and staff when they do or say something silly – we are very glad we can now put our stupidity to good use!” added Heather.

David Strudley, Rainbows CEO, commented: “We are bowled over by the ongoing support from Heather and the team – we can’t thank them enough and look forward to welcoming them again when their schedule allows.”

Our picture shows England skipper Heather Knight, OBE, (centre, right) with team-mate Fran Wilson, Rainbows CEO David Strudley and ‘Bow Bear’.