SEVERAL hundred people turned out to watch the first ever Matching Green Cricket Club (MGCC) versus Princess Alexandra Hospital Staff (PAH) Twenty-20 cricket match on Bank Holiday Monday. 

The cricket club wanted to show their appreciation and thanks to the staff at PAH who worked tirelessly throughout the Covid pandemic to support our local community. 

The event was the inspiration of player Dan Sibley of Nightingale Disabled Transport who formed a committee of MGCC members to organise the event. None of them imagined how many people from far and wide would turn up to watch. In addition to the cricket there was a barbeque, bar, stalls for adults and children and a tea tent brimming with homemade cakes. Something for the whole family to enjoy!

 Several messages received by the club afterwards commented on the friendly community feel at the first big event on Matching Green for a couple of years.

The toss of the coin was conducted by Anne Wafula Strike MBE, UK Paralympian. The keenly contested match ended in an honourable draw. The NHS team said they really enjoyed themselves and would love it to be annual occasion!

The highlight after the game was the Grand Draw. Amazing prizes had attracted huge interest before and during the day. Cricket legend Graham Gooch MBE, who had earlier participated in a MGCC Junior coaching demonstration, pulled out the winning tickets.

Robert Halfon MP attended and paid tribute to the hard work of the PAH family in the programme. He said he was “delighted that the cricket club was recognising their remarkable efforts with the special match today”

A whopping £14,000 was raised and a cheque was presented by Club Chairman Simon Hartnell to Mr Ashraf Patel MBE who thanked everyone for their support and generosity. The money will be going towards specialist chairs for breast cancer patients at St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping and a lounge area for staff at PAH, Harlow.

Simon Hartnell thanked the organising committee, club members, volunteers and generous sponsors for putting on such a fun Bank Holiday event and raising a hugely worthwhile amount for our NHS heroes.