The Professional Cricketers’ Trust is set to celebrate the biggest day in the county calendar while highlighting the life-changing work of the charity at Edgbaston on Saturday 16 July.
The Vitality Blast Finals Day supports the players’ charity for the third successive year and with a number of heartbreaking and heartwarming stories told throughout the build-up, fundraising activities are now confirmed.
The Trust was created to support the health and wellbeing of PCA members who have entertained cricket supporters over the years on the pitch for when they are in desperate need for help.
The Trust has strong links with players from across the cricket community, with ex-Nottinghamshire players Josh Mierkalns and Darren Bicknell who have spoken positively about support received over the years. Meanwhile Stuart Broad also picked the Trust as one of his chosen charities in his testimonial year.
A number of past and present players have spoken so openly on support they have received, including Yorkshire Vikings spinner Dom Bess and Hampshire Hawks seamer Chris Wood who are set to feature on Saturday. More recently, former Somerset batter Arul Suppiah has revealed the torture of his eating disorder while former Yorkshire all-rounder Jamie Hood has spoken about living life to the full despite no mobility below his neck following a freak accident.
With the Trust taking centre stage for Finals Day, awareness of the small charity will be raised with the aim to create funds to continue its work in being a vital support mechanism for cricket’s biggest assets, its players.
Once again, the Vitality Blast Mascot Race is brought to you by the Professional Cricketers’ Trust with supporters able to cheer on their mascot from anywhere in the world and be in with a chance to win 2023 Finals Day tickets.
Support Nuts the Squirrel and Make a Difference
Mascots from up and down the country will be limbering up to take part in the prestigious annual race with a difference: they will be raising money to support those who need it most.
Getting involved is simple. If you want to cheer on Notts Outlaws’ very own Nuts the Squirrel, just text Nuts to 84903 and you will automatically donate £5 (not including the cost of one text message at your standard network rate). In doing so, you will be in with a chance of winniong a pair of premium 2023 Finals Day tickets.
In addition, neutral fans or those with children who attend the ECB’s All Stars programme can support Twinkle, their official mascot, by texting TWINKLE to 84903.
A full list of all mascots who are running can be found at thepca.co.uk.
Participants may enter up to eight times and the winner will be contacted by midday on Tuesday 19 July.
If you would rather just donate to help the charity continue its life-changing - and often life-saving – work you can visit our dedicated JustGiving page to make a one-off donation.