Kent Academy students raise £1227.91 for Demelza Hospice Care for Children

The current batch of Kent Cricket Academy students reaffirmed their commitment to one of the Club’s commercial partners, Demelza Hospice Care for Children, by raising £1227.91 for the charity through a number of fundraising initiatives. A number of activities were decided upon; including collections at Club award dinners as well as events/promotions at their respective schools. Several of the players also represented the Academy at the recent Demelza Christmas party, where they got to meet some of the families and children the charity supports. In doing so, they were able to gain an appreciation of the important role they have played in helping others.

Over the past couple of years, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has encouraged emerging youngsters to increase their integration and support for their local community. The focus of any particular 'community project' is aimed at up skilling Academy players with particular 'life skills'.

The ECB’s Personal Development & Welfare Coach, Tristan Coulter, is clearly hoping that this is the first of many similar projects: “The next step will ultimately be up to the Academy players but it is highly likely that the relationship with Demelza will continue. They have taken an important step to realising their potential in supporting others and, in doing so, have learned much about their own capabilities, both individually and collectively.”

Natalie Tegg, Demelza’s Head of Corporate and Community Income Generation said: “We are very grateful to the Kent Cricket Academy players for their support of Demelza. Well done to each and every one of them for their continued fundraising.”

Kent’s High Performance Director, Simon Willis, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this initiative, particularly the Academy scholars, who have put a considerable amount of time and effort into raising the amount achieved while, at the same time, raising the awareness of the fantastic work that Demelza continue to do.”

Picture. From left to right: Academy Scholar Ryan Davies, ECB Personal Development & Welfare Coach Tristan Coulter, Demelza patron Dave Berry, Kent and England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones, Heidi Range from the Sugababes, High Performance Director Simon Willis and Academy Scholar Michael Waller.