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Quartet of current women’s squad are the latest big names confirmed for the charity challenge.
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England Women stars Kate Cross, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn and Laura Marsh are relishing the prospect of taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust later this year.
The group, who are currently engaged in a fierce Ashes battle with old rivals Australia, will be joined by former teammate Natasha Farrant and the likes of Graham Gooch, Matt Maynard and Steve Magoffin in preparing to scale the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales this October.
The Three Peaks Challenge will see some of cricket’s most famous names join commercial partners, fans and spectators alike in climbing Ben Nevis (1,345m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1,085m) within the space of three days. All money raised will be split evenly between the Trust and the Tom Maynard Trust.
“Doing the Three Peaks will help me give something back to cricket in a different way,” said all-rounder, Gunn.
“I have been lucky enough to play for England for the last 15 years and have been supported throughout my career, so I just want to repay that support.
“I feel it’s a challenge I can throw myself into to help raise money for positive causes and generally spread happiness.
“It will be fun to get away from cricket and meet some nice new people whilst trekking up three mountains.”
Whilst Gunn is excited to have the chance to make new friends on the trip, she’s also looking forward to creating memories with some of her closest mates. One of those will be Lancashire star Cross, who Gunn has shared an England dressing room with for nearly six years.
“I love a good walk and enjoy the countryside and the views so I’m looking forward to the challenge with some of the other England girls,” Cross said.
“I want to take on something I’ve never done before and something that as a cricketer I may not get another chance to do while I’m still playing.”
The 30-year-old is relishing both the physical and fundraising sides of the Three Peaks Challenge.
“My main motivation is obviously to raise some money for two great charities which are directly linked to my work.
“Knowing that we are helping cricketers who went before us in any way will be very fulfilling too.”
The Professional Cricketers’ Trust, formerly the PCA Benevolent Fund, supports the lifelong health and wellbeing of PCA members. The Trust offers welfare, education and a helping hand when PCA members need it most. The Trust funds life-changing assistance for current and former players and their closest family, whether the situation is related to their cricket career, or not.
The Tom Maynard Trust was set up to aid in the development of aspiring disadvantaged cricketers. It supports applications from young sportspeople via the provision of bursaries, as well as organising education programmes to raise awareness of the pitfalls of pursuing a career in sport.
The Three Peaks Challenge is open to everyone and, although there are limited spaces available, the Trust and the Tom Maynard Trust are encouraging sign-ups to join England Women in their biggest fundraiser of the year.
For more details on the walk click here or email Sam Relf on sam.relf@thepca.co.uk.
PROFESSIONAL CRICKETERS' TRUST
What is the Professional Cricketers' Trust?
Joined by Joe Root, six past and present professional cricketers have told their heartfelt stories on why they need support of the Professional Cricketers' Trust.
