Derbyshire Members and supporters raised over £1,000 for the Colin Bloomfield Melanoma Appeal at last week’s NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus Leicestershire Foxes at The 3aaa County Ground.
The match, named as the Colin Bloomfield Melanoma Appeal Fixture, raised awareness about the prevention and early detection of skin cancer – the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer. 10% of all advance ticket sales were donated to the appeal and supporters were also able to donate on the night via bucket collections and the purchase of specially-made UV bracelets.
In total, the Club raised £1,055.45 for the appeal, in support of skin cancer charity Skcin.
Over 2,000 supporters enjoyed the fixture, with many of the crowd wearing the colour yellow to show their support for the appeal. Dermatologists from the Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust were also on site on Thursday night providing free skin checks alongside Skcin who were on hand to answer questions about sun safety.
The Derbyshire Cricket Board – who are the governing body for all aspects of recreational cricket in Derbyshire – are also continuing to promote sun safety to thousands of children as part of their programme which will see them visit over 200 schools promoting cricket participation.
Derbyshire Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “It was great to see so many Members and supporters, both young and old, show their support and generosity for such a worthy appeal. To raise over a £1,000 is a terrific effort and a real credit to the people of this Club.
“We will continue to spread the sun safety message across the county, going into over 200 schools and through our own age group teams.”
Skcin; The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity commented: “We are hugely grateful of the support provided by Derby County Cricket Club, its members and supporters who helped us not only raise funds for the Colin Bloomfield Melanoma Appeal, but most importantly raise awareness about the importance of sun safety and the early detection of skin cancer.”
BBC Radio Derby broadcast live from the match with a special live extended T20 programme. Aftab Gulzar, BBC Radio Derby’s Assistant Editor, said: “I’d like to thank Derbyshire County Cricket Club for putting on such a fantastic event. We have been overwhelmed with all the support the appeal has received so far.
“Colin was a brilliant colleague and a great presenter. I know he’d be extremely proud of all the hard work that has been put into such a worthy cause.”
Photography: David Griffin
Derbyshire are back in home NatWest T20 Blast action on Friday 26 June when they welcome Notts Outlaws to The 3aaa County Ground for the eagerly-awaited East Midlands derby.
