Stokes goes extra mile to help fundraiser

BEN Stokes has run his first half-marathon in an impressive one hour and 39 minutes after being inspired by three amateur cricketers who ran full distance in their back gardens.

Rob Cross, Rob Treasure and Charlie Newman completed the 26.2 miles by running the length of a cricket pitch — 22 yards — 2,387 times wearing full kit and carrying a bat on Saturday to raise money for NHS Charities

Together and national children’s cricket charity Chance To Shine.

On Sunday, the England all-rounder went on his Instagram page to commend the trio and lent support to the Cricket Garden Marathon cause, encouraging others to donate before revealing he would be running a half-marathon near his home.

“I’ve done absolutely no training, the longest distance that I’ve ever run is 8km,” Stokes admitted. “So, I don’t even know if I’m going to be able to complete it.”

He more than doubled that tally with 21.1km yesterday morning. Unsurprisingly, as one of the fittest cricketers in the world, the 28-year-old completed just over 13 miles in one hour, 39 minutes and 41 seconds.

The three friends set an initial target of £2,000. However, the total currently stands at £4,750.

Chief executive at Chance to Shine, Laura Cordingley, said: “We’re very grateful for the funds raised by Rob, Rob and Charlie that will support the charity through this tricky period.

“For Ben to see their efforts and decide to support them is really amazing.”