PCA PRESS RELEASE
Sell-out Kia Oval crowd contributes valuable funds to players’ charity.
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The Professional Cricketers’ Trust raised over £2,500 during the charity’s second bucket collection of the season at the Kia Oval on Thursday 29 August thanks to generous donors.
As Surrey took on Essex Eagles in the side’s final home Vitality Blast fixture of the season, the capacity crowd gave up their spare change to the players’ charity.
Along with the bucket collection going on around the concourse, spectators were also able to donate via text message, and a beer cup collection after the conclusion of the game significantly contributed to the final total, with £1 being donated for every cup collected.
Former Surrey players Pat Pocock and Zafar Ansari were amongst those to turn out in support of the Trust, with both being interviewed on the pitch about the charity’s work just before the start of play.
It was the second such event of the 2019 season, with the Trust’s first ever bucket collection having taken place at Glamorgan’s Sophia Gardens on Friday 9 August.
All the funds raised from both collections will go to the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.
The players’ charity helps PCA members and their immediate families when they need it most, whether it’s during or after their playing careers, with an emphasis on educating young players to help avoid potential personal issues in the future.
A number of Trust beneficiaries have chosen to bravely speak out about their experiences of receiving support from the organisation, including ex-Surrey man Tom Smith and Matt Maynard, father of former Surrey batsman Tom who tragically passed away in June 2012.
You can find more information about Trust beneficiaries by visiting our website.
Surrey T20 captain Jade Dernbach, who is currently supporting the Trust in his testimonial year, voiced his support for the charity on the night.
“It’s vitally important for us as cricketers to realise the positive effect the Trust can have on both us and our families if things don’t quite go to plan,” Dernbach said.
“We need someone there in our corner to help us out and the Trust is certainly an organisation that does that.”
“I’ve played with a number of guys who have called upon Trust in the past, so when you see it first-hand it really does resonate with you and does hit home. So supporting the Trust in my testimonial year was certainly a no-brainer.”
Emily Lewis, the PCA’s Head of Events and Fundraising, was keen to thank the home county for their ongoing support.
“It’s been a really busy summer for Surrey so for the Professional Cricketers’ Trust to get the final bucket collection at a game between two big teams means an awful lot to the charity.
“We’ve had a fantastic evening and the volunteers have been out in full force for the Trust. It really does make a difference in terms of awareness of the charity to see so many people supporting us.”
You can donate £10 now by texting ‘CRICKET’ to 70085.
