Trust bike ride challenge set to begin

The cricket community has come together in Leeds ahead of Friday’s Headingley to Lord’s bike ride in aid of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.

The cycle, which takes place over three days and will see participants arrive in St John’s Wood late on Sunday afternoon, promises to be a special occasion as the Trust’s first major physical fundraising challenge since the Three Peaks in October 2019.

Former England stars Tim Bresnan, Joe Denly and Ryan Sidebottom headline the list of 47 participants, which is made up of current and former professional cricketers, PCA executive staff, sponsors and PCA commercial partners, all of whom have generously given up their time to support the Trust.

Following a launch event at Headingley on Thursday evening, the scenic journey begins the following morning and will pass through some of the country’s most historic towns and cities, including Lincoln and Cambridge, as the riders cover 435km over the course of three challenging days.

However, they will be supported along the way by the lead sponsors of the event BGC Partners, along with Halford’s, who will be providing technical support, and Le Col, who have provided bespoke cycling apparel for the event.

Over £55,000 has already been raised by our incredible fundraisers ahead of the beginning of the event, and all funds will go towards the provision of life-changing support for those who need it most.

Since 2015, the Trust has assisted 426 individuals in the area of mental health alone, and further support offered by the charity includes the provision of specialist medical equipment, advice in difficult situations and more.

Ahead of Vitality Blast Finals Day, which this year supported the Trust, 11 past and present professional cricketers came together to produce a special video outlining what the charity means to them.

If you can, please consider supporting our riders during the Headingley to Lord’s challenge to help the Trust continue it’s life-changing work – it really will make a difference to those who need it most.

Ashes winner Tim Bresnan looked forward to this weekend’s challenge: “I’m really excited to start our challenge and go from Leeds all the way down to London. I’m slightly apprehensive, but it’s all for a great cause which is the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.

“I’m supporting the charity for a number of reasons. They support current and former players in need and help massively if you fall ill or if one of your family members falls ill. They’ve provided so much mental health support to players over the years, including to myself, which is massive, so it’s a worthy charity and I’m really looking forward to the bike ride even though it’s going to be really tough few days.”

Photos of the ride will be available via Getty Images throughout the weekend.

You can donate to our riders via our dedicated JustGiving page.

Find out more about the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.

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