SCHOFIELD COMPLETES IRON MAN CHALLENGE Chris Schofield, the former Yorkshire batsman and a recipient of Professional Cricketers’ Association Professional Cricketers’ Trust funding, has just completed his first Iron Man Challenge. Schofield, who played one first-class match for Yorkshire in 1996 and for England Under-19s, completed the gruelling three discipline challenge in Bolton in just under 13 hours and finished 591st out of an entry of 2,500. The contest required Schofield to cycle 112 miles, run a marathon and swim 2.4 miles outdoors even though he was unable to swim until last summer. Having taught himself to swim, Schofield then spent 40 weeks in training to prepare himself for the event. ” The event was based around Bolton and finished at Bolton Wanderers football ground,” Schofield side. ” It was a massive event with 2,500 competitors entered. I had never even done a triathlon before, I just fancied a day out. “It was a bit of a personal challenge I fractured my skull about 11 years ago and lost my hearing and suffered a bit of depression and I felt a bit down. ” I was searching really and I was inspired by these Iron Men and I thought I would give it a go.” Schofield’s fractured skull was suffered when he fell from an icy roof. As a result of his injuries Schofield lost 20 per cent of the hearing in his left ear and 80 per cent in his right. Thanks to the support of the PCA Professional Cricketers’ Trust, Schofield was able to purchase specialist hearing aids. ” The PCA were very helpful and my hearing has improved. I only need to wear one hearing aid at the moment,” he said. The damage to his inner ear affected Schofield’s balance and caused difficulties when he first attempted a playing comeback for Hoylandswaine in the Huddersfield League. Schofield, 39, is now aiming to play again and, having given up his job as a postman in Penistone, is forging a career as a coach for the Yorkshire Cricket Board and for Andrew Gale’s Pro Coach company. ” The Iron Man has given me confidence. I have got he buzz back again so it’s done some good for me,” Schofield said. ” Getting out running has helped me feel healthy and fit.” The Professional Cricketers’ Trust, sponsored by Royal London, is part of the PCA’s commitment to helping current and former players and their dependants in times of hardship and upheaval or to readjust to the world beyond the game. The Fund also supports players and their dependants who might be in need of a helping hand with medical advice, a much-needed operation or those who require specialist advice, care or assistance. More information please contact Jason Ratcliffe 07768 558050. {{ak_sharing}}
