The ECB has today launched its ‘Together Through This Test’ campaign, bringing together the work of first-class counties, community clubs and cricket supporters across the country to highlight initiatives across the cricket family during lockdown.
The campaign will highlight some of the unsung heroes from across the professional and recreational game as well as providing updates on, as well as launching new, cricket-led initiatives that the general public can get involved in to help support their local community.
More than 200 campaigns have already been launched across cricket in England and Wales from volunteers at local clubs embarking on long-distance charity runs to players, coaches and staff at first-class counties phoning members to check on their wellbeing.
We Are All Derbyshire
A number of initiatives have been launched in Derbyshire across the professional and recreational game, including;
- Derbyshire first-team squad complete relay marathon for 2.6 challenge
- Derbyshire Cricket Foundation provide support for community clubs, including funding advice
- Sandiacre Town CC fundraising by running a virtual lap of all 18 first-class counties
- Wirksworth & Middleton CC fundraising for a local food bank
- Derbyshire launches Together, We Are All Derbyshire initiative to engage supporters & keep cricket talking
- First-team players call-round elderly Members
- Lead Physiotherapist volunteers at Derby Royal Hospital
- Are you helping in your local community? Get in touch and let us know via [email protected]
Today’s launch of Together Through This Test marks the collective response of cricket at all levels with a powerful short film, narrated by cricket fan Stephen Fry, that underlines the unique quality of a game where patience and digging in for the greater good is a virtue installed within all who play, watch and enjoy the sport.
The ECB has set up a COVID-19 resource hub on ecb.co.uk/covid-19 to offer assistance, focusing on:
- Providing physical and mental health support to the general public, with NHS information, a Vitality ‘Fit 4 Cricket’ series and a Lord’s Taverners online hub for cricket-based activities
- Delivering fun and educational interactive resources for children in partnership with Chance to Shine
- Supporting the recreational game by providing emergency funds and resources
Clare Connor, ECB Managing Director, Women’s Cricket said, “Our sport means different things to different people but if this crisis has shown us one thing, it’s the way the cricket family pulls together when times are tough.
“We are inspired by and grateful to the whole cricket family from the grassroots of the game right up to our elite teams for their incredible team spirit, for not just thinking about their own survival but also about how they can support the wider community. We hope this campaign will shine a light on the amazing work being done, help signpost people to the support they need and provide a feeling of hope and solidarity for cricket fans during this challenging time.”
Stephen Fry said: “It’s wonderful how patient everyone has been during this incredibly difficult time. Like many cricket fans, I long to hear the sound of leather on willow again, but while we wait it out, we do of course have to stick together and do what we can to support each other. It was a pleasure to be able to read Jimmy Lee’s poem which so wonderfully connects the national game with the national spirit.”
Together, We Are All Derbyshire. Share memories, favourite moments and engage with fellow supporters. Get in touch on social media, at [email protected], or call 01332 388 101. Click HERE to get involved.
