HARLOW Town Cricket Club has partnered with St Clare Hospice and will replace the sponsorship space on their new playing kit with the charity’s logo. The hope is to actively promote and raise awareness of the fantastic work the hospice provides to the local community.

The club which is also a non-profit organisation will look to raise funds at a number of events across the playing season. This will support the charity as well as promote them on and off the pitch with social media updates and a number of fundraising events.

St Clare Hospice holds a strong connection with many at the club who have had direct experience of the service they provide to family and loved ones when that very difficult time comes. Most recently was the loss of Graham Norcott whose sons both play for the club, Graham was a local community stalwart himself spending many years fundraising for charities something the club feels strongly about.

The club Secretary’s mother was supported by St Clare, the First XI Captain and Vice-Captain’s father along with both parents of the club Chairman. It was therefore an easy decision from the club to offer something back in return when the opportunity arose given the support and impact St Clare has had on so many at the club.

Stuart Alderson, Chairman of the club said: “The time when you really think about St Clare Hospice is when you need them most, and they are always there and you just assume they always will be.

“I can speak from personal experience that the care and support they provide is second to none, and I know that many of our members and their families have had similar experience over the years.

“Assuming they will be there when needed is all well and good, but it takes time, energy, commitment and funding for them to continue to provide such invaluable support.
As a club and a family of members we have very recently been reminded how amazing St Clare are, so we decided that we should do what we can to help promote and support the hospice as much as we can.

“We have in the past supported various charities with fun days, raffles, sponsored events but we wanted to do something more this year. As such we have decided to effectively partner with St Clare this year and at least next year with a number of events and gestures.

“We had been looking for a shirt sponsor for the club, this is usually a way for the club to raise much needed funds for ourselves. Like all community based clubs we struggle to keep up with the ever increasing costs with maintaining grounds and facilities whilst also providing a safe, secure and fun environment for our juniors. However, the club committee agreed that for the foreseeable future all new playing shirts will proudly display the St Clare Hospice logo.

“We hope this small gesture helps in some way to continue to raise awareness of the hospice throughout the year, encourages people to think about St Clare at all times and not just when they are needed most. We will be working with the hospice on a number of events during the year with a view to helping raise funds for them as we go along.“

Ellie Gale, Relationship Fundraising Manager at St Clare said: “We are so grateful to Harlow Town Cricket Club for choosing to display our Hospice logo on their kit, and to kindly committing to fundraise for us throughout the season. We simply couldn’t do what we do, and care for families on one of life’s hardest journeys, without the support of local community groups like the cricket club. Your support really will change the lives of local people and their loved ones, and on behalf of all those who your fundraising efforts will care for – ‘thank you’”

St Clare will be present at the cricket club’s fun day on Sunday the 28th May, the event is honour of one of our most loved and respected members, former club President Martin Gladwin, who sadly passed away a few years ago.

“The day will see the club host a junior cricket festival for under 9s in the morning followed by a memorial match with each side captained by Martin’s two sons. There will also be a number of stalls, kids activities, food and refreshments throughout the day along with a dog show.

Plus

A reminder that this week Harlow Town first XI have a mouthwatering local derby against Harlow at Marigolds with a 1230 start, this is the first competitive fixture between the team for 5 years and will be a keenly contested game.

Harlow Town 2nd XI host West Essex, whilst Harlow Town 3rd XI travel to Cloghams.