20/20 Cricket match in aid of Christie’s

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Photo: Laura Wild

Cricket players and Christie supporters before the match

Cricket fans turned out in full force this evening (Friday 6 August 2010) to support a charity match.

Professional and amateur cricketers from across the borough  took part in the 20/20 cricket game held at Rochdale Cricket Club to raise money for The Christie Charity.

The game was organised by Barry Hamilton and Matt Harling with the aim of hosting a fun, family event and raising money at the same time.

Mr Hamilton, a member of Middleton Cricket Club, organised a similar event last year.

His dad has leukaemia and Mr Hamilton explained that despite the amount of organisation the event is very important to him.

“This game means everything. Cancer affects everybody and raising money for Christies’ can only be a good thing,” he said.

Mr Harling who helped to get the event off the ground in terms of location became involved after Mr Hamilton appealed for a ground to play the game on.

Mr Harling works at Christies, he said: “It is fantastic to be able to do this and raise money – everybody knows somebody who is affected by cancer. The game tonight is very important.”

When the pair first got their heads together Mr Hamilton was unaware of Mr Harling’s Christies link.

Aside from the game there is a variety of fun on offer for the whole family, including a BBQ, a bouncy castle and a raffle including some fantastic prizes, one of which is a track day at Lotus provided by Grange Lotus Preston.

Mr Hamilton is in the motor industry and has found that those links have been a great help.

The game is also being sponsored by Mitsubishi Rochdale and Manchester. For every 6 hit the firm will donate £3.00 and for every 4 they will donate £1.

The organisers are hoping to raise in excess of £1500.