14,539 runs... time to declare?

In this difficult time for sports clubs, all organisations are looking at innovative ways of fundraising.

West Wittering Cricket Club are no different and used the May half-term break to set out the #RUNFORWWCC challenge, which aimed to raise money for the club and for local homeless support charity Stonepillow.

With a target of 10,000 runs to be completed in seven days, club members and friends were challenged to run up to 30 minutes a day, between the wickets, to score as many runs as possible.

Admittedly, it was a slow start. With just 300 runs on the board after two days, the club members left it all to do. But some incredible efforts saw the total at the end of day three sitting at 3612 runs, much more promising.

The internal competition for most runs clearly made a difference as the total continued to rise rapidly. It was 5730 after day four and by day five, the club surpassed the goal of 10,000 runs, finishing the day on 10,838 runs.

By this time, everyone wanted to be part of the challenge and by the time the end of day seven came around, around 50 different participants had achieved a mammoth 14,539 runs.

Participants were split into three categories, and a special mention goes to Marc Slowey (men’s section) who achieved 1135 runs, Jordan Mackay (women’s) with 323 runs and Kallum Baker (juniors) who recorded an impressive 835 runs across the week.

Joe Sissons (360) and Mark Taylor (358) should also be mentioned for their outstanding 30-minute singular efforts.

So far, the club have raised more than £1,600 to cover essential costs to keep the club running through this uncertain time, while 20 per cent of the final total raised will be donated to Stonepillow.

Sarah Dakin from Stonepillow said: “We are delighted that West Wittering Cricket Club members chose to support Stonepillow with their fundraising event.

“Their valued donation will ensure we can continue to support and empower homeless and vulnerable people to achieve sustainable independence and well-being. Thank you to everyone that contributed to the 14,539 runs!”

The fundraising page will remain open until the end of June, any extra support from the local community would be extremely welcome as the club looks to survive and support a fantastic local cause. See https://www.spacehive.com/ westwitteringcc-covid-19