Grounds for optimism as Andy hits charity trail
FORMER local cricketer Andy Latham steps out tomorrow on an ambitious charity trail he hopes will raise at least £3,500 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Andy, from Nether Heage, has worked out that he played cricket on 60 grounds in the Derbyshire leagues and plans to walk around the boundary of each during the 2021 season, usually on Saturdays while games are on, now that Covid-19 restrictions have eased.
But he will start his “60 at 60” challenge tomorrow, as it is his 60th birthday, alongside his brother, Richard, in an elongated lap around the former British Rail ground at Meadow Road, close to the former Derby Telegraph offices where he once worked as publishing manager.
“The ground is derelict with barbed wire around the perimeter so it would be impossible to do a lap there, so we will go around the ground but there will be a huge detour, walking along the river and head back near Costco by the side of the A52,” said Andy.
“I plan to start properly on April 17, the first day of the season.
“I’ve had some nice emails back from 20-plus clubs. Some have asked for a specific time as they are ‘doing something.’ The first Saturday is: Alvaston & Boulton 12.30pm, Elvaston 1.30, Breadsall 2.30, Allestree 3.30 and Belper Meadows 4.30. I’m not sure if I’m allowing too much or too little time so the first one is a suck and see.
Andy is battling prostate cancer himself and, 26 years ago, was in the news when he and two other Swarkestone players at the time all beat testicular cancer. His oncologist says his current cancer is unrelated.
Andy’s charity effort is already closing in on £2,000 and can be supported at justgiving.com/fundraising/my60at60.
Andy, who played for A&B, British Rail, Swarkestone and Darley Abbey, will post his weekly ground itinerary on Facebook if anyone would like to join him on a given day.