Committed cricketers are going the extra mile for their club this month as they embark on an arduous fitness regime.
Around 25 senior players from Colne Cricket Club are taking on the “1830 challenge” in a bid to drive up funds ahead of the forthcoming season.
They aim to complete a gruelling 1,830km on various pieces of cardio machinery to mark the year the club was founded and to earn themselves plenty of public support.
Many participants will be clocking up miles at Intershape Gym, having been given the use of equipment for free, while others will use facilities elsewhere.
Colne Cricket Club’s Matthew Walker (28), a quantity surveyor from Read, said: “I think we’ll do it. In the first instance, it seems like quite a sizeable distance, but if everybody chips in and rallies around, I don’t see a reason why we can’t do the full thing. I think the lads will thoroughly enjoy being a part of it, and seeing the rewards come the start of the season.”
And Intershape Gym’s Margaret Duckworth added: “We are supporting the cricket club as we are passionate about things in our great town, especially with the age of the cricket club too.
“We want local people to enjoy and support local projects.”
According to Mr Walker, this will not be the first and last fund-raiser of 2014. Many ideas are already being thrown about, including a Casino Night, Soccer Six, and a Sportsman’s Dinner.
He added: “The club, which was founded in 1830 and is the oldest in the Lancashire League, has recently undertaken a major transformation following the appointment of Jane Williamson as chairman.
“Events such as the inaugural Colne CC Beer Festival have helped the club secure a more stable financial footing. However without the continued support of the local community the club could still face dark times.”
To sponsor the players or to make a donation email playersofcolnecc@gmail.com.