Howzat! Hospice Charity team up with celebrities for a cricket match not to be missed

September 8, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

On Sunday 22^nd September, Gidea Park Cricket ground will be hosting a star-studded cricket match to raise money for Essex’s only children’s hospice.

Little Havens Hospice are organising the celebrity cricket match not only to raise money so that they can continue ‘Making every day count’ for families across Essex, but also to help their Patron Rudolph Walker celebrate his 80th birthday.

Rudolph, best known for his roles in Love Thy Neighbour and as EastEnders’ Patrick Truman has been Patron of the charity for many years, so when they heard he had a big birthday coming up they wanted to celebrate it with him and are hoping the community will come along to help them do just that and raise money for the charity and also Rudolph’s charity The Rudolph Walker Foundation.

Gates open at 11am and spectators are being asked for a donation on entry to watch the T20 cricket match featuring celebrities from the world of TV, sport and entertainment. There are also a limited number of tickets for a mid-match Buffet Tea with Rudolph and the other players for £20 per person. Or for £125 budding Ben Stokes, Rory Burns or Jofra Archers can join the team and play alongside ex-England and International cricketers as well as stars of the screen.  

A lifelong fan of cricket, Rudolph said, “I am really looking forward to celebrating my milestone birthday enjoying a sport that I have loved since I was a young boy while also helping raise money for two charities that are close to my heart. I am really happy that some of my fellow EastEnders will be joining me and that I will get a chance to meet some cricketing legends. However, the best birthday present I could ask for is for lots of people come along and help me to raise not just the roof for my birthday but lots of money for charity.”

There will be plenty to see and do for all the family with plenty of stalls, a silent auction and entertainment throughout the day. Supporters are encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets with them and can bring picnics with them or treat themselves as there will be plenty of food and drink for sale throughout the day.

Star players* include: Matthew Hoggard, Clive Lloyd, Steve McFadden, Jonnie Irwin, Chris Cowdrey, Ricky Champ, Tony Clay, Cliff Parisi, Perry Fenwick, Scott Maslen. *subject to availability 

To find out more about the Cricket Match including how you can play on the day or join Rudolph and his co-stars for afternoon tea please visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/cricketmatch

Little Havens Hospice is part of Havens Hospices, which includes Fair Havens Hospice and The J’s Hospice, to find out more about the charity please visit www.havenshospices.org.uk

The Rudolph Walker Foundation was set up to nurture and develop the creative and technical skills and talents of young people, for more information please visit  http://www.rwisda.com/foundation/