Four PCA members look forward to 2020 Testimonials

With the 2020 season just six weeks away, four PCA members are preparing to celebrate Testimonial Years at their respective counties, with three out of the four pledging to support and raise awareness for the Professional Cricketers’ Trust throughout the year.

Michael Hogan, Adam Lyth, Eoin Morgan and Stephen Parry have been recognised for their ongoing loyalty to – and on-field excellence for – Glamorgan, Yorkshire, Middlesex and Lancashire respectively. Northamptonshire man Alex Wakely was also awarded a Testimonial, but has been decided to postpone to 2021 due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Helped by their committee, each will hold a series of one-off events throughout the course of 2020 to reflect on their playing career to date, whilst also fundraising for their chosen charities.

Hogan, Lyth and Morgan have elected to support the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, and their fundraising will go towards supporting PCA members and their immediate families when they need it most.

As professional cricket’s leading charity, the Trust offers PCA members welfare, education and a helping hand in difficult times. You can find more information on those who have benefited from the Trust via our website.

The 2020 trio follows in the footsteps of Stuart Broad, Jade Dernbach, Joe Denly, Chris Rushworth and Graham Wagg, who all elected to support the Trust last year.

We recently asked what being awarded a Testimonial Year meant to all four of the 2020 beneficiaries, as well as why they are supporting their chosen charities.

“I feel extremely honoured to be granted a Testimonial Year by Glamorgan for 2020. We have the privilege of representing an entire country in Wales down here and I’ve enjoyed my eight seasons at the club.

“I’ve chosen the Professional Cricketers’ Trust as my charity partner for a simple reason. I feel the PCA offers the players so many resources in the way of training and education outside of the game and when current and former players fall on hard times, the Trust is there to support and get them back on their feet or work through a difficult time.”

Supporting the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.

“I’m supporting the Professional Cricketers’ Trust this year because this is a charity that I believe and trust in.

“I have witnessed the positive effect it has had on others, and I would love to support the cause by helping them to keep doing the fabulous work they do.”

Supporting the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, Bowel Cancer UK and WHISH Whitby.

“Throughout my career I have supported the Professional Cricketers’ Trust to give back to the game that has given me so much.

“As a member of the PCA, you never know when you may fall on hard times through ill health. To know the Trust is there to support all players equally, regardless if you have played one county game or 100 internationals, is invaluable.

“We have seen through recent stories the effect the Trust has on players and their families so to raise funds for them gives me great pleasure. I hope we can raise valuable funds for the Trust as well as Chance to Shine and the Ruth Strauss Foundation.”

Supporting the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, Chance to Shine and the Ruth Strauss Foundation.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to play the game I love for my boyhood club and country and I’ll cherish every memory I’ve made on this journey for the rest of my life. 

“Being awarded a Testimonial Year and joining an illustrious list of fantastic cricketers who have been honoured in the same way by a club steeped in so much history is something that I’m immensely proud of.”

Supporting the Lancashire Cricket Foundation and Parkinson’s UK.

Although Wakely’s Testimonial Year has been postponed to 2021, he explained what the Professional Cricketers’ Trust means to him.

“It was a no-brainer to choose the Professional Cricketers’ Trust as one of my charities. As a professional cricketer, the future is full of unknown obstacles, whether they arrive during your career or after.

“From emotional support to physically saving lives, the charity is there for us when we need it most. I am very privileged to have played professional cricket for 13 years and I am honoured to be able to give back to one of the most incredible charities out there.”

Supporting the Professional Cricketers’ Trust and Dreamflight.

Find out more about the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.