Local hero Stokes backs fundraiser for flood-hit Cockermouth
COCKERMOUTH CC will welcome the PCA England Masters this summer after former player, and current England all-rounder Ben Stokes, arranged the clash.
Stokes began his career at Cockermouth, aged 12, and is heading back to the club as they recover from the devastating floods of December 2015.
Cockermouth were among the many sports clubs in Cumbria whose grounds and facilities were damaged by Storm Desmond and were left with an £80,000 bill for repairs and clean-up costs.
With the help of his agent Neil Fairbrother, the former England and Lancashire batsman, Stokes has arranged a match between Cockermouth and a star-studded PCA England Masters side to the Raymond Denham Oval for a fundraising T20 match on August 10.
Stokes said: “Cockermouth were the club that gave me the opportunity to play cricket and do it on a regular basis and without that I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“I’ve been thinking of doing something like this for a while but I wasn’t sure exactly what to do as I didn’t want to just give a donation and that’s the end of it.
“I spoke to my fiancée, Clare, about it and we discussed about a donation for a new scoreboard or a contribution for a new clubhouse. That was a good idea and then I spoke to Neil Fairbrother and he mentioned the PCA England Masters.
“Neil started the whole process off and we discussed how much I wanted to give back to my club and then obviously making a day of it as I’m hoping will be a good turnout. The big thing for me is giving back to Cockermouth and Cumbria in general.
“I don’t think it will just be the town of Cockermouth, I’m hoping the people of Workington, Whitehaven, Penrith and surrounding areas will attend and support the day.”
Stokes is currently starring in the Indian Premier League for Rising Pune Supergiant and will not take part in the August clash having made 32 Test appearances as well as featuring in 53 ODIs and 21 T20Is.
He will, however, be the guest of honour at the club and take part in a question and answer session.
The PCA (Professional Cricketers’ Association) are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and Stokes was also keen to support their Legacy Year Appeal.
To celebrate their golden jubilee, the PCA have embarked on a major fundraising initiative, with an aim to raise £250,000 for their Benevolent Fund to ensure that the association can keep delivering key services to all members which is something the Durham all-rounder clearly values.
“The PCA England Masters is a great thing. The team still have that competitive side and the personality when they play.Without club cricket who knows where these ex-professionals would be?
“They travel around the country and get involved with the grass roots where careers start,” he said.
“To be honest the PCA as an organisation are brilliant in what they do for current and past players so to also help them in their 50th year is a big thing for me.”