Howzat! Epic trek honours cricket hero

ACarnous t ie cricketer has completed an epic 672-mile cycle in honour of a team-mate who died of brain cancer.

Craig Wallace, from the Angus town, was joined by Edinburgh cricketer Ali Evans for the trek in aid of the charity Brain Tumour Research.

Their team-mate Con de Lange died in April last year, aged just 38. He was the 672nd person to play for Scotland and Craig and Ali spent a week pedalling 672 miles around Scotland.

The pair have so far raised more than £13,000 for the charity.

Craig, 30, said: “It has been such an epic, memorable week and I’m actually feeling gutted to be finished, in spite of all the aches and pains.

“It’s been really tough at times but remembering Con has kept us going. The cricket community is an amazing place, like no other. When it’s tough we all stick together and we couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our wonderful cricket family.”

The journey started in Dundee on October 1. The route took in several of Con’s favourite clubs and destinations, including St Andrews, Perth, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, before finishing in Carnoustie on October 8.

Coronavirus meant the original plan to visit many of the county grounds in England which Con knew, including Northampton and Blackburn, were cancelled.

Con died two years after he was diagnosed with a brain t u m o u r. He is

survived by his wife Claire and young children Daisy and Rory.

His professional career began in his native South Africa. He went on to play county cricket for Northamptonshire before representing Scotland.

Craig added: “He was

just such a proper, genuine and nice man. One of the finest I have ever met.

“He was always the one who would go round the dressing room, checking everyone was OK. The cycle may have finished but this will not be the end and Con will never be forgotten.

“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Too many great people like Con are dying too young.”

Donations can be still made to the charity through Craig and Ali’s fundraising page on JustGiving.

TRIBUTE: Craig Wallace and Ali Evans cycled 672 miles and raised £13,000 for charity.