PROFESSIONAL CRICKETERS' TRUST PRESS RELEASE
James Knott’s ambitious fundraising challenge to coincide with England return.
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Former Surrey wicketkeeper James Knott is preparing to support the Professional Cricketers’ Trust by taking on a physical fundraising challenge with a difference.
As England return to the Test arena against West Indies at the Ageas Bowl on 8 July, Knott will fire up his treadmill as he attempts to walk during every minute of play in Southampton.
In return for his efforts, the 45-year-old is asking for donations to the players’ charity which faces an annual shortfall of £250,000 due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Half of the money raised will go to the Trust, and the other half to the NHS Covid-19 appeal, with which Knott has a familial connection.
One of cricket’s leading charities, the Trust supports PCA members and their immediate families when they need it most. Assistance can range from emotional counselling right through to the provision of specialist medical equipment and more.
"The Trust has helped me out a lot in my life after a short professional career.”
JAMES KNOTT
“The Trust has helped me out a lot in my life after a short professional career,” Knott explains. “I had some difficult times where I needed counselling and they sourced that for me, which was a big help.
“I saw that the charity was facing a shortfall of £250,000 and wanted to do something if I could. I also became aware of the #charity10for10 challenge, with loads of cricketers past and present getting involved, and that was certainly something which inspired me too.
“I am going to link the challenge with the NHS, as close members of my family have been on the front line during the pandemic.”
Though Knott originally came up with the idea several years ago, the Head of Cricket at Stowe School, Buckinghamshire, has only now found time to complete his challenge as a result of widespread school closures.
“Several years ago I had this idea to walk the Test as a bit of a fundraiser, but I never found the time to do it – but one thing I’ve got plenty of at the moment is time!
“I haven’t got anyone else doing it with me yet, but I want people to be able to join in and do their own version of the challenge if they want to.
“I’m definitely going to do the first Test and, if that goes well, then I might even be up for thinking about doing the second Test too!”
