All-rounder Luis Reece has appealed to the public to help him formulate the finer details of his next charity challenge.
The 28-year-old has announced he will be sporting unusual facial hair for much of the duration of the Vitality Blast, with Derbyshire in back-to-back home action this coming weekend.
Exactly what he does with his beard, though, has been left for the general public to decide through their donations.
“I’ve put together a plan of how much money will be needed for each level of extremeness,” said Reece.
“Hopefully lots of people can get on board and then in a couple of weeks I can look at the donations and the beard will start to take shape.
“Fingers crossed it’ll be a good few weeks of the Blast with whatever look people decide to give me.”
The minimum threshold of £100 of donations will see Reece merely shave off his current facial hair. At least £600 will force him to dye it and, if the all-rounder can secure £1,500 for his three chosen charities, he’ll go the whole hog and shave his head, dye his beard and eyebrows, as well as getting a full body wax.
Reece began his charity challenges at the end of last year, with the aim of completing an unusual task once a month for twelve months. He has already held an impromptu Christmas carol singalong in a supermarket, completed a 10km run around Derby city centre in full cricket pads and eaten a scotch bonnet chilli, amongst other things.
Over £600 has already been raised at the time of writing, with the eventual pot being split between three charities: the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, Mind and CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).
“They’re three charities that are very personal to me and have certainly had a big effect on my life.
“The Trust have helped me in various ways throughout my career and I just want to be able to give something back to the charity after how helpful they’ve been to me.
“They’ve pointed me in the right direction numerous times and it’s just very comforting to know that there is someone there to take your call and to help you.
“They’re probably the main reason why I’m still in the game today.”
Reece is hopeful of raising significant funds and awareness for the Trust as cricket’s shortest format dominates county cricket over the coming weeks.
“The Blast is obviously very exciting. It’s always nice to showcase your skills in such a great tournament – as well as your beard.”
Click HERE to support Luis via his Just Giving page.
Alternatively, you can follow the opening batsman on Instagram (reeceyschallenges) and Twitter (@lreece17) to keep up to date with the latest charity challenge news.
Local Rivals Collide! The East Midlands Derby against Notts Outlaws resumes on Friday 26 July; 7pm start at The Pattonair County Ground. Tickets selling fast. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
[twentyticket]
