As I seem incapable of hitting one on the pitch, I wanted to use my upcoming landmark birthday as a way of raising funds for Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club.
After much thought the brains trust came up with a campaign name HITTING 50! It was then decided a challenge was needed.
That challenge is to run 50 half marathons in 2025.
WHY?
The 2023 arson attack that destroyed The Wick’s pavilion has been well covered by local and national news. And the amazing fundraising effort and generosity of so many people meant the club has been able to continue.
While 2024 did not see any silverware come the club’s way, we survived!
It’s now time to build for the future. The fire was devastating – but has given us the chance to build a more sustainable club with a greater focus on the community.
The money raised through HITTING 50 will go towards:
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Continuing to inspire youngsters from all backgrounds to enjoy sport
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Building lasting links to the local community
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Championing cricket as a force for good
This challenge is no small feat, covering more than 650 miles in total.
Other events are in the pipeline to help raise funds, but also awareness of a few things close to my heart; mental health; youth development, and of course… cricket!
ABOUT ME
I am Ian Collier (AKA Colly). A long-term member of Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club and a lifelong lover of the best sport on the planet.
I'm no Mo Farah, but over the years running has become another of my hobbies, and a great way to keep fit (ish).
And as a club fundraiser, and a mediocre journalist, reaching my landmark birthday in 2025 gave me the perfect headline for a new campaign.
And so HITTING 50 was born.
This is certainly my toughest challenge yet, but with gentle encouragement from my daughter Alice, and the support from my wife Gilly, what could go wrong?
