Trust “critical for players” – Broad

Stuart Broad has spoken of his pride at helping to raise both funds and awareness for the Professional Cricketers’ Trust after he donated to the players’ charity following his 2019 testimonial year.

The Nottinghamshire and England legend, who is currently on tour with the Three Lions in South Africa, outlined the reasons behind his decision to donate to the Trust at the PCA’s annual England Farewell Lunch at Lord’s on 13 December.

“I’ve been a supporter of the Trust ever since I started playing cricket,” the veteran recalls.

“(It’s) a charity that offers cricketers past and present as well as their immediate families a huge amount.

“As an England team we’ve always supported the Trust throughout our careers and we know they’ll be there for any cricketers or friends if needed. It was a no-brainer for me to want to support the charity because I see how much good work they do.”

The 32-year-old was awarded a testimonial by Nottinghamshire in November 2018 in recognition of his ten seasons of service at Trent Bridge, having joined the club from nearby Leicestershire ahead of the 2008 domestic season.

Since then, a hugely distinguished international career has seen Broad go on to claim 479 Test wickets – the second highest career figure of any England player – and over 750 first-class scalps in total.

“I’m very proud. It’s a county that I’ve been hugely proud to represent over a long period of time and it’s a place that I certainly call home.

“It was an honour to be awarded a testimonial and it was an unusual year but something that I definitely enjoyed putting together as well.

“The support throughout the year from friends and teammates was very special. I can certainly look back at the events we did with a lot of pride and with a smile.”

Along with the Trust, Broad has supported another cricket-related charity in the Ruth Strauss Foundation, as well as the Motor Neurone Disease Association, an organisation which funds and promotes global research into MND and provides support to people across much of the UK.

“For me, raising money for these charities is great but it’s also about raising awareness. Awareness is vital for them and obviously a bit of money along the way just helps everything to tick along.

“It’s great to have raised awareness as well as a bit of money for different charities and to have met so many different great people along the way.”

Find out more about the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.