More than 80 guests turned out for our Charity Cricket Dinner in the company of two well-known faces from the world of UK cricket, Graham Gooch and Simon Hughes.
Held at The Lord Hill Hotel, in Shrewsbury, generous donations throughout the evening helped raise £1,200 for our two chosen charities – The Harry Johnson Trust and the Shropshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Managing Director, Laurie Riley, said: “We were delighted to welcome Graham and Simon to what has become our annual cricket fund raising event, and the turnout was fantastic.
“It’s clear that Shropshire cricket fans are keen to hear from legends like Graham who have played the game at the very highest level, and to hear his thoughts on the current state of English cricket.
“We’re also grateful to everyone who attended for their generous support for our two charities, and we’re overwhelmed to have raised such a great amount for these worthy causes.”
Graham Gooch is one of England’s most iconic cricketers of the modern era and renowned as a hugely prolific batsman. His record as England’s leading run scorer in Test cricket stood for 10 years, until it was broken by his protégé Alastair Cook this summer.
Simon Hughes won four County Championships during his time at Middlesex, notching up 205 First Class matches, with best bowling figures of 7 for 35. He is now best known for his role as The Analyst on Channel 4’s cricket coverage.
Laurie said: “It was a really superb evening, and we’re already looking forward to hosting another similar event next year. We’ll really be able to make a huge difference to our two chosen charities with the money we raised, and we know they’ll put our donations to good use.”
The Harry Johnson Trust was set up by Sally and Stephen Johnson in July 2014, in memory of their son, Harry (aged 7) who died after suffering with Double Hit Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. They offer support to children with cancer who receive care from the Oncology Team at The Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
The Motor Neurone Disease Association helps to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers, and funds and promotes research with the aim of bringing the world closer to a cure.
From left, Simon Hughes, Laurie Riley and Graham Gooch at the charity dinner
