Rochdale Cricket Club’s cycling challenge

The group outside Rochdale Cricket Club on Sunday 17 May

Members of Rochdale Cricket Club are making the most of the lockdown season, by cycling to the grounds of the teams Rochdale should have visited this season to raise vital funds for the club.

Having started by cycling a 36-mile round trip to Enfield on Sunday 10 May, the challenge will end on Sunday 11 July with a trip to neighbours Norden. In between the members will cycle to places like Clitheroe, Haslingden and Colne.

The idea came from Ian Gilbertson after the club closed under government advice surrounding the current Covid-19 pandemic

In total, members of the club and its supporters will cover just short of 500 miles with 19 visits, aiming to raise £5,500 towards the club’s survival. The club itself is 196 years old, having been established in 1824.

Ian added: “We’ve got 75 kids in our junior section, who need coaching, equipment and kits. We do have some kits on order from February, so we hope to get those out to them soon.”

On 11 July, the members will be joined by Oliver Butterworth, who was born with a rare brain disorder which affects his speech, balance and co-ordination.

Oliver, 17, will complete a 3.8-mile round trip from Rochdale Cricket Club to Norden Cricket Club, as he usually spends many days and evenings at the club.

He said: “Rochdale CC is my life in the summer. If you could donate anything to help me and my cycle team complete our aim of covering every away ground in our Lancashire league division this season, that would be fantastic.”

To donate, please visit:

• www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ian-gilbertson-2