PCA PRESS RELEASE
Former England man pleased to give back to the players’ charity during testimonial year.
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Former England international Nick Compton has stated that “it’s critical to recognise the importance of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust” following his recent donation to the leading cricketing charity.
The Middlesex stalwart was awarded a testimonial year in 2018 by the county he represented for 13 years across two spells. Compton and his testimonial committee elected to raise money for two charities – the Trust and Mind – by holding a number of fundraising events throughout the course of last year.
The Trust provides support to PCA members and their families when they need it most, whether it’s during or after their playing career, with an emphasis on educating young players to help avoid potential pitfalls in the future.
“It’s an organisation that’s been firmly behind me and other cricketers since I started as a 17-year-old professional,” Compton said.
“I’ve had a lot of interaction with – and support from – them over the years and I’ve certainly benefited from that support. As players (both present and past) I think it’s critical that we recognise the importance of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.”
Compton was forced to take an immediate break from cricket in the summer of 2016, citing his mental health as one of his reasons and, as a result, the Trust has a special meaning to him personally.
“To me, the Trust is about knowing there’s a platform that will help to support you if you fall. I think it’s really great to have that support rather than having to do everything on your own.”
Alongside the Cricketers’ Trust, the 36-year-old elected to fundraise for leading mental health charity Mind. The organisation provides advice and support to empower anyone who is facing mental health issues.
“I think a charity like Mind do a huge amount to bring awareness to some of the issues that people are facing and give as much support to those people as they can.
“There are a lot of people out there who are going through tough times – some that we know about and others that we don’t.”
Reflecting on his testimonial year, Compton was proud to honour the family legacy of his grandfather, the late England great Denis Compton, who would have turned 100 in 2018.
“It was great to be able to celebrate a long history with the club, not only my own but that of my family as well. It was a real privilege and an honour to have a testimonial in (Denis’) 100th year and be able to celebrate someone who had a huge effect on my own career.
“I was also lucky to have a really special testimonial committee behind me. Without them, I really wouldn’t have been able to do this and raise money for two great causes.”
The directors of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust and everyone at the Professional Cricketers’ Association would like to formally thank Nick and his testimonial committee for their recent donation.
Find out more about the Professional Cricketers’ Trust by visiting our website.
