Sponsored walk will raise funds for the D’Oliveira Foundation

11:54am Friday 17th January 2014 in Local

Tim Cox and Mark Ashbourne will take part in the sponsored walk to support cricketers from deprived backgrounds. Buy this photo: 041403M.

A STOURBRIDGE man will take part in a 74-mile sponsored walk from Worcester to Cardiff to raise money to support cricketers from deprived backgrounds.

The walk will see a group of Worcester County Cricket Club supporters set off on May 1, led by Mark Ashbourne, aged 46, and Tim Cox, aged 58 of North Piddle, Worcester.

Mr Ashbourne said the trek will raise funds for the charity set up in memory of former Worcester and England all-rounder, Basil D’Oliveira, who died in 2011.

The D’Oliveira Foundation not only keeps the memory of the sporting hero alive, it supports future rising cricketers from deprived backgrounds.

Mr Ashbourne, who is also in charge of grants and fundraising at Stourbridge Cricket Club, said that although D’Oliveira’s time at Worcester was before he got involved with the club, his presence is still felt, not just because his son, Damien and grandson, Brett are part of the team but through “the honours the club achieved when Basil was a player then coach”.

He added: “This walk is a great way for us to honour his memory as well as raising money for the foundation set up in his name.”

Supporters hope to arrive at the SWALEC stadium in Cardiff on Sunday May 4, during the lunch interval on the first day of the Glamorgan versus Worcestershire County Championship match.

Anyone interested in taking part, sponsoring the group or donating items that can be auctioned following the walk, should contact Mr Ashbourne on 07506747619 or Mr Cox on 07785297736.