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Relay50 raises thousands for Severn Hospice

Relay50 raises thousands for Severn Hospice

B CC27 May 2020 - 08:53
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Despite the cricket season being put on hold, BCC members virtually came together to raise a huge amount of funds for a vital cause...

For the last few years Bridgnorth Cricket Club have entered a team into the Bridgnorth Walk to raise money for Severn Hospice, but due to the Covid-19 outbreak this year's event was cancelled.

But taking inspiration from other events being organised across the area, particularly from Worcestershire CCC and Shrewsbury CC, first and second team captains Sam Whitney and Matt Martin came up with another idea to raise money for a cause so close to the hearts of many, but especially to them.

It started out as a 24 hour virtual relay, with each person taking part either running, walking or cycling for an hour each. Many members and friends of the club quickly volunteered to take part, and it quickly grew to over 50 people wanting to take on a stint. Eventually, a 50-hour relay was created, starting on Saturday 23rd May at 11am, and going right through to 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday... a similar expected finish time for some of our players in the Bridgnorth Walk.

As a result, over 252 people from across the globe took part, and have covered a grand total of 3315.45km as a team, and raised over £8,300, with more donations still coming in.

"We could never have imagined it taking off like this!" said Matt Martin following the completion of the event, remotely organised though Whatsapp groups, and played out through a massive coordinated coverage effort across various social media channels.

"We had an initial target of 24 people raising £500 between them. The support we received from everybody was incredible and the buzz it created was a joy to behold and demonstrated something so positive during the current crazy and uncertain times that everyone is going through."

"Severn Hospice is a charity close to the hearts of many of us, especially Sam and myself, as my Dad and Sam's Mum spent their last few weeks and months receiving wonderful care before they sadly passed away."

There's still time to donate to this phenomenal cause. Simply visit the club's fundraising page at tiny.cc/bccrelay50 and give whatever you can.

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