HAMPTON WICK ROYAL CRICKET GOES INTO BAT FOR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
Generations of Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club members turned out to raise more than £3,000 to help rebuild the club’s pavilion that was destroyed by fire in 2023.
They joined veteran Ian ‘Colly’ Collier on run 14 of Hitting 50 – a challenge of completing a half-marathon every week for the whole of 2025.
A motley crew of juniors, seniors, and the down-right decrepit took on laps of the King’s Field and Bushy Park to hit the 21.2km target.
Colly says: “If someone says the ‘yoof’ are not engaged… or they don’t care… absolute rubbish! Give them something to care about and they will do anything. As will the old farts!
“I shed a tear or two seeing the present and future of this club taking it upon themselves to get up and do something. They are an utter credit to themselves.
“And at the same time – a few of the oldies took to the bikes, walking shoes or just a meander through the park to support the cause.”
‘Colly’ was joined on four loops of Bushy Park by groups from the juniors, older juniors, seniors, over-50s and the women’s squad.
Hitting 50 was dreamt up by Ian as he headed towards his own personal half century.
Initial fundraising by HWRCC has helped the historic Bushy Park club survive in the short term.
However, money is now needed to rebuild the pavilion to provide modern facilities that benefit the whole community.
HWRCC provides the chance for anyone to play cricket – young,old, boys and girls and its links with local state schools is helping to open up the game to kids from all backgrounds.
It is also home to Harlequin Amateurs RFC.
Hitting 50 is also delighted to be joining forces with Opening Up Cricket – an organisation that provides free mental health and suicide prevention sessions for cricket clubs, schools, and other groups.
Ian says: “Mental health is an issue very close to my heart and I’m so happy we can work with Opening Up Cricket to support them and help them continue their amazing work.”
The challenge itself will see Ian run nearly 700 miles – not including training and recovery runs.
You can find more details on the Hitting 50 campaign here:
https://www.hitting50.co.uk/
You can find more details on Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club here:
https://hwrcc.co.uk/
You can find more details on Opening Up Cricket here: https://openingupcricket.com/
Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club is a local stalwart of more than 160 years. As a club it prides itself on being friendly and welcoming. With five Saturday sides playing in the Surrey Championship, a mid-week T20 team, a Sunday XI and youth cricket for both boys and girls – there’s a chance for everyone to take part.