A PAIR of cricket-crazy companions from Dorset are taking on a 170-mile challenge - starting at the home of their beloved sport.
Paul Stevens and Jon Desborough, both from Bradford Peverell, will be trekking from Lord's Cricket Ground, in north London, to Plush & Piddle Valley Cricket Club.
Mr Stevens, aged 65 and Mr Desborough, aged 59, started their 10-day adventure yesterday at Lord's with the aim of raising as much awareness and cash for charitable causes and to complete the challenge before Mr Desborough turns 60 years old in September.
Mr Desborough said: "I will be raising money for the grassroots charity Chance to Shine.
"I could've just gone to the pub for a couple of pints with my friends and then got a cab home. That’s what a bloke usually does on his 60th birthday."
Also celebrating a birthday will be Mr Stevens, who recently turned 65 years old and is raising money for Versus Arthritis, with a target of £800.
He said: “It's a massive task for us, but we're excited.
"It's something I’ll talk about for the rest of my life."
Backing the pair is Sherborne Utilities, which is keen to invest in grassroots cricket.
Mr Desborough added: "Many friends and colleagues have also sponsored us with generous donations.
"The route looks great. Former England cricketer, Angus Fraser, agreed to see us off.
"The Basingstoke Canal is our first mission then we will head towards south to the direction of Winchester.
"The Clarendon Way will get us to Salisbury, then home on the Wessex Ridgeway.
"The following Friday we will arrive at Plush Cricket Club in Dorset’s beautiful Piddle Valley.
"It’s going to take 10 days, a lot of pain and a tube or two of pain relief lotion, but we’re going to do it and we’ll have a huge celebration at the end."
Keeping to the theme, the pair will visit pubs named The Cricketers, in Richmond and Addlestone, and then onto Pirbright Cricket Club.
To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-stevens65, or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jon-desborough2
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here