Shropshire soldier in marathon cricket fundraiser
A Shropshire soldier will be joined by two fellow servicemen in taking on a mammoth charity cricket challenge – running 2,387 times between wickets.
Rob Treasure, 24, who lives near Ludlow, is being joined in the task by friends Charlie Newman from Wiltshire, and Rob Cross from Wimbledon.
The trio met at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and will be completing the challenge, which is equivalent to a marathon distance, in full cricket whites and with a bat in hand.
They are completing the effort tomorrow and are hoping to raise £2,000. They have already raised more than £1,600.
Rob, who is an Officer Cadet with the Rifles, previously attended Shrewsbury School and has turned out for Brampton Bryan Cricket Club.
Even though he has played cricket, Rob said he does not have that much experience running between the wickets due to him being "more of a bowler" and a "mid-level swinger".
He said: "I usually don't get that much of a chance to give it a go so the opportunity to do more than 2,000 is great."
The trio are taking on their marathon effort in their respective gardens and said they had been inspired by the incredible fundraising of Captain Tom Moore, who has raised more than £30 million for the NHS, and yesterday celebrated his 100th birthday.
They will be raising the money for the NHS and the cricket charity Chance to Shine.
“We think it’s a great chance to do something unique during isolation for the benefit of others” said Mr Newman. “We’ve seen on the news that a few people are running marathons in their gardens, we don’t think we’ve seen anyone yet doing it in cricket kit.”
The men’s previous running experience varies, but the trio all enjoy physical challenges. Rob has competed in a triathlon, Mr Cross has previously run half marathons in all 18 first-class cricketing playing counties, while Mr Newman has completed marathons and a half Ironman.
“We’ve been inspired by the tireless work that front-line medical staff and key workers are currently doing,” added Mr Cross.
“We know it’s a difficult time for lots of people at the moment, so any bit of joy, support or entertainment we can bring to people through this challenge would I’m sure be well received.”
The challenge will be live-streamed via their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GardenMara and the trio encourage as many people to tune in as possible.
“It won’t be the most exciting viewing” said Rob, “but if it brings a smile or two and some valuable funds to two fantastic causes then it will be worth it”.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the cause can do so at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HitandRun
