Buckinghamshire Seniors posing for Prostate Cancer UK Charity Fund Raising
I am delighted to let you know of the following arranged walks as part of England Cricket Seniors, Ron’s March, Bob Willis Fund for prostate cancer awareness and fund raising. Friday 5th April 2024 Kent Seniors Walk. The Spitfire Ground, Old Dover Road, Canterbury CT1 3NZ.
The walk takes place during the first day of the County Championship match v Somerset CCC.
The first 40 people to apply to walk will receive a free ticket to watch the days play.
We are delighted to announce that Rob Key will be joining the walk and SKY T.V Cricket will be filming the walk and interviewing some of the walkers. The film will be broadcast on the SKY T.V Cricket channel during Bob Willis Blue Day at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Saturday 27th July 2024. Tuesday 9th April 2024 Gloucestershire Seniors Walk.
Meet near the Old Lodge Public House and Minchinhampton Old Course Golf Club at 10am for a 10.30am walk. Walkers will be able to lunch at The Old Lodge Public House, Cirencester Road, Minchinhampton, Stroud GL6 9AQ. Tel 01453 832047. Friday 12th April 2024 Edgbaston Cricket Ground
We are delighted to have been invited to walk, again, at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Edgbaston Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7QU. All walkers will be invited to watch the days play during the County Championships match against Durham CCC. We will be joined by Nick Owen BM, BBC News Anchor for BBC Midlands News.
Saturday 20th April Devon Seniors Walk
We are walking from South Devon CC to Bovey Tracey CC on Saturday morning, which will include walking through Newton Abbot, along a canal cycle path and an old railway line for just over 5 miles. It is hoped that a local company will supply pasties for lunch. There will be a match on during the afternoon against a Blackheath CC Xl. Meet is at 10.30am. Full details to follow.
We are also talking to Northamptonshire Seniors and Staffordshire Seniors re them organising a walk. We hope more Counties will organise a walk this year.
Monday 22nd April 2024 Surrey Seniors Second Walk
Surrey Seniors will be hosting a second walk. It will be at Horsley and Send CC, Twinns Field, West Horsley KT24 6JS. 10.15 am meet for 10.30 am walk. Surrey would love Bucks players to join them.
Friday 17th May 2024 Essex Seniors Walk
Essex Seniors have decided to arrange a second walk in aid of Ron’s March, we thank them so much.
The walk will be at The Cloud County Ground, New Writtle Street, Chelmsford CM2 0PQ on Friday 17th May 2024. Walkers will be given a ticket to attend the days play. Details of the walk will be published asap. Walkers will be invited to walk around the outfield during the lunch interval to publicise our campaign.
We are also talking to Northamptonshire Seniors and Staffordshire Seniors re them organising a walk. We hope more Counties will organise a walk this year. If your County has not as yet, please get in touch. We know we are making a difference.
Middlesex CCC Seniors will be walking along the Regents Canal to Lords Cricket Ground on either May 3rd or 24th followed by watching a County Championships match. Details to be confirmed. If your County has not as yet, please get intouch.We are making a difference. Friday 14th June 2024 Derbyshire Charity Foundation
We are delighted to have been invited to join the Foundation Fundraising walks again in 2024. Walkers will receive tickets to watch the evening T20 match between Derbyshire CCC and Northamptonshire CCC. Details to be confirmed. There will be a 20 mile walk and a 5mile walk. It was such great fun in 2023.
Sunday 23rd June 2024 Cheshire Seniors Walk
At Warrington CC. Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 6SJ. We understand there will be a Treasure Hunt as well as the walk. Full details to follow.
We are also talking to Northamptonshire Seniors and Staffordshire Seniors re them organising a walk. We hope more Counties will organise a walk this year. If your County has not as yet, please get intouch.We know we are making a difference.
Late Autumn / Winter Update
Walk 18
Durham- Northumberland Over 60s Walk with Sunderland AFC and the Fans Museum 13th December 2023
A phone call from former England footballer, Mick Harford had us out of walking hibernation, in December, to walk at The Stadium of Light, Sunderland.
Mick, being a Sunderland boy, is very aware that the numbers for Prostate Cancer are 1 in 6 in the North East against 1 in 8 in most of the Country and he was very keen to spread awareness in his native North East. A chat with Mike Small had the Durham- Northumberland Over 60s cricketers happy to be part of the day.
Gary Bennett, a Sunderland AFC legend, who had recently had his prostate removed, was more than happy to join us and help in any way that he could. This brought on board a local press man, Bill Bradshaw and the Fans Museum, Sunderland, set up by Michael Ganley. Mick Harford’s sister, Maureen took an active role in the organisation of the walk and encouraged locals to join us and to donate. Maureen’s husband Geoff used his family contacts and was able to get Richard Young to supply the lunchtime food.
We thank Geoff so much. Maureen and Geoff planned the walk around the sea front at Sunderland, from The Stadium of Light, ending with lunch at The Fans Museum. Gary Bennett is part of BBC Radio Newcastle’s match commentary team for Sunderland matches. A couple of weeks before the walk an interview was arranged, prior to the match against Huddersfield, so that Bill and Maureen could get over the message that our walk would be taking place and why. We had hoped that SAFC would be more involved with our walk but after a few snags we were delighted to be invited to visit the Fans Museum. If you ever get to Sunderland, please take the time to visit the Museum. It is housed in an old railway station, Monkwearmouth Station, and does amazing work in the local Community.
Local metro trains still run through the station but no longer stop. When we hit snags with SAFC, Maureen organised a local company to provide soup and sandwiches for when the walkers arrived at The Fans Museum. On the Tuesday evening, before the match against Leeds United, Mick, Gary, Ron and a representative of Prostate Cancer UK, talked to fans who were having a pre match pint at The Fans Museum, to tell our story of our battle with prostate cancer and to raise awareness with those attending. Ron, Pat, Jonathan Mulcahy and Mark Haines, travelled up for the walk and took in the match against Leeds United. We are indebted to Richard Young of Youngs Quality Foods for his help and sponsorship.
Before the walk commenced the “Sunderland Echo” had sent a reporter who did interviews which were posted on their online presence and our walk was also a full-page feature in the next day’s paper. Over 100 people set off from The Stadium of Light on a chilly but dry December morning, made up of cricketers and local football fans. We even had a lady from abroad, who was visiting the North East, who had heard about our walk and asked if she could join us, brilliant. The walkers returned to The Fans Museum for sandwiches and hot soup. We are indebted to the people of the North East for the amazing turn out and we are delighted to announce the walk raised £3000.
As it was a joint walk with SAFC supporters and Durham/Northumberland Over 60s cricket we are donating £1000 of the money raised to South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust who cared for Gary Bennett when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, last year. A presentation of the cheque will be made to the NHS Trust at The Fans Museum on Friday 2nd February 2024.
Last week we had a message to say that a Sunderland season ticket holder who had joined the walk went for a PSA test and found he has a raised PSA and needs scans to check all is ok. He thanked us for making him aware. This makes all we are doing worthwhile.
There are still quite a few Counties who have not been in touch to discuss organising a walk and we hope they all will soon.
Oxfordshire, Somerset, Hampshire and Cambridgeshire / Hunts.
The fourteenth walk, involving England Cricket Seniors was organised by Clive Ricks on behalf of Oxfordshire CCC Over 60s and took place in the delightful village of Cumnor in Oxfordshire on Friday 8th September 2023.
Fourteen people met at 4.30pm in the local pub car park, it happened that the day was probably the hottest of the 2023 summer. Unfortunately, we had some people drop out of the walk as they decided it was far too hot for walking. We could not argue with their decision and we are pleased to say that most of them joined us at the village pub for drinks and dinner after the walk.
The walk took us along the Thames and was delightful, leaving the lovely village before walking through woodland and across fields, skirting by the side of the river as we walked. We entered the village from a different direction discovering how lucky Clive is to live in such a delightful village. We walked 5.8 miles and I am delighted to say that in the intense heat everybody made it without a problem.
The thirsty walkers retired to the pub garden to quench thirsts and have a lovely evening meal. Less said about one or two interesting things at the pub, but the garden was lovely and the food excellent. Pat and I were driving to Brecon, after the meal, as we were going to the 100th birthday of one of my first captains at Amersham Hill Cricket Club, the following evening. The gentleman behind the bar was not over keen to fill our water bottles, for the journey, fortunately he did. We didn’t arrive in Brecon until 1.00am and the water was well received.
We thank Clive for organising the walk, to those who took part in the walk, or joined the walkers for the meal and to all those who donated to the cause.
Walk number fifteen took us to the delightful County Ground, Taunton for a walk arranged by Somerset Over 60s and Over 70s which turned into a memorable day for the 22 people who joined the walk. Steve Pursey was responsible for arranging the Somerset walk and he was able to get us permission to meet at and walk from The County Ground. It was arranged that we would walk in the morning and then all walkers were given tickets to watch the Championship match between Somerset and Kent.
A wet start to the day held up play until after lunch but it did not deter the walkers from having a delightful walk around the lovely town of Taunton. On arriving back at the County Ground, we were invited onto the outfield to have a photo with a few of the Somerset players and introduced to the crowd, who were encouraged to talk to us about our walks and to donate, which many did. We thank the players for giving up their time to join us. Somerset CCC have the most interesting museum within the ground and we were encouraged to visit it during the day. Little did we know that we would see a picture of the father of one of Buckinghamshire’s Over 60s/70s on a cigarette card from the 1950s. John Pothecary’s father played for Hampshire CCC and played one game for Somerset, I hope that is correct. Patrick Draycott of the museum staff had produced a power point display about Bob Willis, his career and his battle with prostate cancer. We are so thankful to Patrick for doing such an amazing thing to celebrate Bob and our day in Taunton. Some of the walkers had booked lunch in the delightful Somerset CCC carvery. None of us were aware of the surprises awaiting us when we went into lunch.
The carvery manager took our collecting bucket to put on the bar in the hope of more donations. He then announced that the P.A System was set up so the diners could be told about the people in Ron’s March T shirts and what they are about. The bigger shock was when he informed Ron Hedley that he would be speaking to the 150 or so diners. After a delightful carvery meal Ron did take to the microphone to inform the people present of why we are raising awareness and funds to fight such an awful disease.Amongst the diners was Past President of Kent CCC, Vice Admiral Tim Laurence. Ron enjoyed a few words with Tim after lunch and Tim was delighted to support our campaign. Somerset CCC also allowed us to go amongst the crowd with our collection bucket and over £300 was raised. We are so grateful to Spencer Bishop & Matthew Counsell of Somerset CCC for making the day so memorable.
How do you follow that you may ask, we followed it by joining Hampshire CCC Over 60s/70s for a walk at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton on Wednesday 27th September as Hampshire CCC took on Surrey CCC who were hoping to be crowned County Championship, Division One, champions during the match. Walk sixteen had 16 people taking part in a morning walk and again all were invited to watch the days play at The Ageas Bowl. The weather was set fine and Geoff Beale took us on a lovely walk around the local area which the ground is in.
On arriving back at the ground, we were asked to meet at a particular part of the ground at a time to coincide with the lunch interval. Another surprise awaited us when the P A announcer welcomed the walkers to the ground, explaining to the crowd who we were and what we are trying to achieve. We were then asked to walk around the boundary to be applauded by the crowd. I never thought I would be applauded on a cricket ground.
A few of us had an excellent lunch in BEEFY’S by Lord Botham Restaurant and then watched the rest of the days play which was interrupted by the weather so we arrived back in Buckinghamshire earlier than expected. Yet again an excellent amount of money was raised and a lot more people were made aware of prostate cancer. Surrey CCC did clinch the title during the match but we are pleased to say that Hampshire CCC won the match. We thank the Hampshire players who signed a Ron’s March T shirt to be auctioned at some point in the near future. Many thanks to the staff of Hampshire CCC.
The seventeenth walk and the last arranged for 2023, at the moment, was organise by Nick Andrews on behalf of Cambs/Hunts Over 60s/70s and took place from the Thorpe Wood Golf Club in Peterborough on Tuesday 3rd October and coincided with Pat’s birthday. It was great to walk with Nick as I played cricket for Amersham Hill CC, and on joining the Club in 1974, I played a few years with Nicks father, a delightful man. Fifteen people took part and we were treated to a delightful walk with a variety of interesting points of interest. We walked by the River Nene, two golf courses and close to my heart, as a steam train lover, the Nene Valley Steam Railway, unfortunately there were not any trains running on the day. We had lunch in the Woodman’s Pub, which is part of the golf complex, it was a lovely meal and we thank Carol and her staff for making the lunch special. My mother’s parents were originally from Peterborough before moving to Bedfordshire and having been told, recently, the name of the road they had lived in during the 1890’s I had to go and see the road for myself. Some of the houses from that time are still standing and it was so interesting to see such history. We thank Nick and the Cambs/Hunts Over 60s/70s who walked and donated or just donated, it was such a lovely day.
England Cricket Seniors
Ron’s March, supporting The Bob Willis Fund and Prostate Cancer UK
On Wednesday 21st June 2023 we joined Wales Over 60s/70s for walk No 10 to the top of Sugar Loaf, part of The Brecon Beacons. We met at Abergavenny Cricket Club which was hosting a County 2nd Xl match between Glamorgan and Sussex and were made most welcome. 25 set out on the walk with the Welsh walkers completing the arduous climb from the cricket ground to the top of Sugar Loaf. The Bucks CCC contingent were taken by car part of the way and all but I made it to the top. It was certainly the most challenging walk so far. We are grateful to Alistair and Ryland and to all of the walkers who took part. Steve Watkin was with the Glamorgan team as coach and Mathew Maynard was watching the match, they both signed a T shirt to be auctioned.
The following Wednesday, 28th June, Buckinghamshire Over 60s/Over 70s were invited to walk at the ground of Sir Paul Getty at Wormsley and to visit the walled garden for walk No 11. The walled garden is a gardener’s delight and not open for viewing very often. The Sir Paul Getty Xl were playing The Crusaders, a touring side from Australia. After visiting the walled garden, we enjoyed a day’s cricket and a lunch kindly donated by Wenzels the Bakers, we thank them so much. We were delighted to be joined for this walk by Lauren Clark. Thanks to Glynis and Peter Langford for making Stokenchurch CC available for us to meet and then enjoy an after match, barbecue. We thank the members of Stokenchurch CC who made it possible.
On Friday the 30th June for walk number 12 we linked up with Derbyshire CCC Over 60s and the Derbyshire CCC Charity Foundation as part of their Walkathon to raise funds for the Foundation and England Cricket Seniors, Rons March. Thanks, in a big way to former England Test Star, Ian Bell, who is now the batting coach at Derbyshire CCC. We thank all those who walked for these great causes.
In the morning 30 plus walkers took on the challenge of a twenty mile walk around Derby and some of its cricket grounds. Pat, Ron and Jonathan Mulcahy of Buckinghamshire CCC were joined by Jade Dyer of Prostate Cancer UK. We drove from refreshment place to refreshment place at local cricket clubs to support the walkers. We even helped in the pub designated for the lunch stop when there was a lack of staff. I think the walkers very much enjoyed an endless supply of chips and beer. We are thankful to Georgina of The White Hart, Stanley, near Derby, for her amazing help.
At 4.30pm another 25ish walkers set off on a five mile walk from and back to the Incora County Cricket Ground, Derby. This time the four of us joined the walkers, Jade having been replaced by David Faragher. Jade had to be back in London for a hen do. To greet our walk the rain came and it made the chances of watching the T20 match between Derbyshire Falcons and Leicestershire Foxes unlikely. However, as the walkers arrived back at the ground, around 630pm, the rain stopped and the match commenced. We were delighted to witness a record Derbyshire opening partnership in T20 cricket and a record total for Derbyshire Falcons. Despite a brisk start to their reply Leicestershire consistently lost wickets and fell well short of the total required for victory.
We are so thankful to Mark, Richard and their staff and the volunteers at the Derbyshire CCC Chairty Foundation and to the Club for allowing us to walk, raise funds and watch cricket at their ground.
They also donated two shirts signed by the Derbyshire CCC T20 team, to be auctioned at a later date.
The amount raised, which will be shortly added to our fund is £2000 from the Derbyshire walks.
On Friday 28th July for walk No 13 we joined Cornwall Over 60s/Over 70s as part of their special day entertaining the Australian Touring Over 60s team at Truro. We had a short walk around Truro CC’s ground and the adjoining park before enjoying a day’s cricket. Australia won the match but it was a great day with the rain managing to stay away until after the match. An entertaining “bowl like Bob Willis” video was made and it did make the locals and The Australians laugh. My attempt was probably about the worst Bob Willis impression but I did bowl a straight ball for the first time in years. Two or three of the Cornwall players did an excellent take off as did Chris Dennis. In the evening Chris, you must see the photo, joined the Truro Make Voice Choir who entertained a large audience with some lovely songs to entertain us all. Will we ever stop singing “Trelawny”? The Australian Tourists and partners certainly enjoyed the evening.
I am delighted to let you know that during the evening I was approached by The Australian Tour Manager who announced they would be donating the “Tour Fines” to our campaign. The total fines of £300 was added to our fund recently and we thank the Australian Over 60s so much.
We go again in September and October with the following walks; Friday September 8th with Oxfordshire Over 60s at Cumnor CC. This will be an afternoon walk, which will be along the Thames. Tuesday September 19th with Somerset Over 60s/Over 70s at The County Ground, Taunton. All walkers will receive entry to the four day County match v Kent CCC. Somerset do a fantastic carvery, do not miss out. Wednesday September 27th with Hampshire Over 60s/Over 70s at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton. Hampshire are playing a four day match v Surrey CCC. Tuesday 3rd October with Cambs/ Hunts Over 60s/Over 70s at Thorpe Wood Golf Club, Peterborough.
Please get in touch with the County organising the walk or with me at [email protected], if you would like more details about joining a walk. We would love to see you.
We do ask that all walkers make a donation of £25, if they can, or as much as they can afford. With Gift Aid our total has just topped £23000 an amazing amount. We thank everybody who has donated.
Please see below the update on walks arranged in the near future.
If you wish to join any of the walks please contact me or the organising Counties Representative.
We are still hopeful that all Counties will arrange a walk. You have until the end of August 2024 to complete a walk.
So far the response and success has been beyond our wildest dreams, thank you to all the Counties and their organisers for supporting us.
We hope you saw the amazing film which Sky broadcast on the Saturday of the Edgbaston Test Match of the Warwickshire Over 60s/70s walk which took place at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. England Cricket Seniors were in the forefront of the film.
We are waiting to finalise the amount raised from a couple of recent walks and will update you asap.
At last count we have gone over £17000 including Gift Aid.
Kind Regards
Ron Hedley
Buckinghamshire CCC Over 60s and Over 70s.
(07710 987 950)
England Cricket Seniors Prostate Cancer Walks
Arranged Walks for the next few months
Friday 28th July 2023 Cornwall Walk at Truro CC, Boscawen Park, Malpass Road, Truro TR1 1SG, combined with Cornwall Over 60s v Australian Over 60s Tourists. Friday 8th September 2023 Oxfordshire Walk at Cumnor CC, Park Field, Appleton Road, Cumnor OX2 9QH. This walk will commence at 4pm with drinks in The Clubhouse, after the walk. Tuesday 19th September 2023* Somerset Walk, at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton TA1 1JT, tel; 01823 425301, during the Championship match, Somerset v Kent. Wednesday 27th September 2023* Hampshire Walk, at The Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, West End, Southampton SO30 3XH, tel; 023 8047 2002, during the Championship match, Hampshire v Surrey. Tuesday 3rd October 2023* Cambridgeshire/Huntingdonshire. Walk in Peterborough. Sunday 15th September 2024* The Final Walk at Lords Cricket Ground, London.
Details to be confirmed*
Check out Around The Wicket from Radio Essex featuring the Essex Seniors Prostate Cancer Charity Walk
The Herts Walk12th May
The bubble burst in Hertfordshire.
Buckinghamshire CCC Over 60s and Over 70s Chairman Ron Hedley has been raising funds for prostate cancer research since taking part in a Jeff Stelling “March for Men” in 2017. Unfortunately for Ron he was diagnosed with prostate and bone cancer in 2018.
His latest fund raising venture is asking all of the Counties who play County Over 60s cricket to arrange a walk and raise funds for this amazing cause. There are 32 English Counties and Wales who could arrange a walk. So far Ron and his wife Pat have joined eight walks across the country.
Walk number nine was arranged by Peter Robbins on behalf of Hertfordshire CCC Over 60s and Over 70s on Friday 12th May 2023. The walkers met at The Red Lion PH, in Preston, nr Hitchin for a walk around the Hertfordshire Countryside. Fourteen hardy souls, after being provided with a Ron’s March T shirt and a Bob Willis Fund baseball cap, set off with local village resident Steve as our guide. Unfortunately, due to the recent rains the terrain was wet and muddy and for the first time on our walks the rain decided to join in. Fortunately, the rain did not hamper the walkers enjoying pleasant company and the lovely countryside. I know Peter was disappointed by the small number supporting the walk but it did not detract from the enjoyment or the cause.
We arrived back at the Red Lion a bit bedraggled but ready for their lovely lunch. Peter had organised a prize draw which was a great success with an array of prizes, some had been flown in from Spain the day before. I hope Peter’s wife appreciates me drawing her ticket which won her a wood turned bowl crafted by our guide Steve. We thank Peter for his amazing efforts, Steve and all the walkers who joined us. For Herts players, you can donate via the bobwillisfund.org/ronsmarch even if you were unable to join the walk. Make sure you mention Herts Seniors when asked to comment.
We were delighted to be joined by Carl Newbury of The Magic Touch (GB) who have been supporting our fund raising
We now have a rest from walking until June. Maybe if it stops raining, we might even get to play some cricket.
Buckinghamshire CCC Over 60s and Over 70s Chairman Ron Hedley has been raising funds for prostate cancer research since taking part in a Jeff Stelling “March for Men” in 2017. Unfortunately for Ron he was diagnosed with prostate and bone cancer in 2018.
Walk number seven was organised by Essex CCC Over 60s and Over 70s with a meet at Old Chelmsfordians CC followed by a walk to The County Ground, Chelmsford and back to Old Chelmsfordians CC for a delightful lunch provided by “Wenzels The Bakers”, we thank them for their kindness.
After a very wet night on Tuesday, we were delighted to wake to blue sky, sunshine and just a bit of a chilly breeze. Yet again we managed a walk with no rain although we did have heavy rain from the moment we drove out of Chelmsford until we arrived back in Buckinghamshire.
We were delighted that Victoria Polley of BBC Radio Essex, who presents their weekly cricket show every Wednesday evening, joined the walkers for the first leg to the County Ground. Les Gray led the walk with over 60 people enjoying a lovely walk, through local parks to the Ground. On reaching the Ground we watched some of the Essex players having a net session before the four-day match v Lancashire which starts on the 13th April. Unfortunately, we just missed Sir Alastair Cook having a practice session. We were delighted that Sam Harmer, Sam Cook, Ben Allison and Jamie Porter gave up their time to come out for a photo call in front of the pavilion.
The walkers then made their way back to Old Chelmsfordians CC for a well earnt rest and lunch. Phil Mitchell, who organised the day along with Les Gray, Duncan Blackie and Nick Goode, also organised a prize draw. We thank those who donated prizes and who bought tickets for helping us to the magnificent total of £320 raised. We thank all of the afore named for their hard work and the ladies who provided tea and biscuits and sold prize draw tickets.
Pat Hedley has the giving out of T shirts, Caps, Badges and prostate cancer booklets down to a fine art and helped by Laura Kerby, CEO of Prostate Cancer UK, everybody was soon kitted out.
At lunch Phil gave thanks as did Ron to all who supported the day. Laura gave a brief outline of the work of Prostate Cancer UK and The Bob Willis Fund and how our donations are spent wisely on research projects. We have to give special mention to Chelmsford City Walking Football members who joined our walk and helped to make it such an enjoyable day. Their donation with Gift Aid is over £1000 of over £2500 raised by Essex so far.
Ron was delighted to meet ex Buckinghamshire Over 60s, star batsman, Dick De Caires and his wife who both walked with us. Ron’s first two matches for Bucks Over 60s, a year apart, were both opening the batting with Dick. Both partnerships were of over 80 and I will forget how many of those I scored.
We are so thankful to Victoria and Paul of BBC Radio Essex and we really enjoyed listening to their programme last night. You can hear the show by going to BBC Radio Essex, The Cricket Show on their twitter feed or listen on BBC Sounds.
On Monday 17th April we are being hosted by Surrey Over 60s and Over 70s with a walk from Horsley and Send CC followed by lunch.
There are still quite a few Counties who have not been in touch to discuss organising a walk and we hope they all will soon.
To join a walk contact Ron Hedley at [email protected] and to find out more go to www.bobwillisfund.org/ronsmarch
The Warwickshire Walk 22nd March
The sun shines on Warwickshire Over 60s and 0ver 70s and Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
March five involving England Cricket Seniors was organised by Warwickshire Over 60s and Over 70s and took place at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham on Wednesday 22nd March 2023.
Fifty eight people took part in the walk with Warwickshire Over 60s and Over 70s players and wives supported by people from Buckinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Worcestershire. A great effort and we thank them all. We were all delighted to be joined by former England Test great Ian Bell along with former Warwickshire players Tim Munton and Andy Lloyd. To add to the Birmingham connection former Birmingham City players Mick Harford and Tony Coton also joined our walk.
SKY Sports filmed the walk and carried out interviews to be broadcast over the five days of the England v Australia Ashes Test Match at Edgbaston in June 2023. We thank SKY for helping us to raise awareness of prostate cancer and our reason for walking, which is to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK and The Bob Willis Fund. Bob was and still is a Warwickshire and England legend. Lauren, his widow, and Nicola Tallett of Prostate Cancer UK also walked to show their support for England Cricket Seniors.
Walkers met at the very impressive Indoor School and were able to witness England Test bowler Chris Woakes netting, I think all the batsmen amongst us were very pleased we would not have to face him. The walk commenced around the perimeter of the Edgbaston ground and was followed by walking through the lovely Cannon Hill Park finishing with a final walk around the Edgbaston ground.
We are indebted to Dave Murphy, Warwickshire Over 60s/70s representative for organising such a great day, to the Edgbaston staff and to everyone who walked and has donated to our cause. A special mention to Andy Owen for all of his help at the Indoor School so we could distribute T shirts, caps and badges to the walkers. (Andy does support Luton Town FC, a sensible man). If you have donated, we thank you, if not, please do.
Our walks now move on to the following venues
Berkshire Over 60s and Over 70s walk at The White Horse PH, Wokingham on Tuesday 4th April.
Essex Over 60s and Over 70s walk at Old Chelmsfordians CC on Wednesday 12th April.
Surrey Over 60s and Over 70s walk at Horsley and Send CC on Monday 17th April.
Wales Over 60s and Over 70s walk at Abergavenny CC on Wednesday 26th April
Hertfordshire Over 60s and Over 70s walk at The Red Lion PH, Preston, near Hitchin on Friday 12th May.
Lincolnshire Over 60s and Over 70s walk at Louth on either the first or last Sunday in June.
Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire Over 60sand Over 70s walk at Wormsley Cricket Ground, Ibstone on Wednesday 28th June 2023. The walk will take place in the morning and walkers will be able to stay and watch the match between the Sir Paul Getty Xl and the touring Australian Club, Crusaders.
Cornwall Over 60s and Over 70s walk at Truro CC on Friday 28th July 2023. The walk will be in the morning of the match between Cornwall Over 60s and the touring Australian Over 60s
We are delighted to have added more walks to our goal of walking in all of the 32 English Counties and Wales who play Over 60s County Cricket. We hope all Counties will arrange a walk by 15th September 2024.
To donate or join a walk contact Ron at [email protected]
Ron with Ian Bell, Tim Minton and Andy Lloyd
The Norfolk Walk 17th March
Ron’s March for Prostate Cancer Research
The fourth march involving England Cricket Seniors was organised by Norfolk Over 60s and Over 70s and took place in the beautiful village of Old Buckenham on Friday 17th March 2023.
A mixture of light showers and heavy rain greeted the walkers as they met at The Gamekeeper Public House in the village. Twenty-five people took part in the walk with Norfolk players and wives supported by people from Buckinghamshire, Essex, Suffolk and Worcestershire. A great effort and we thank them all.
Andy King organised the day and lunch at The Gamekeeper PH, he was fully supported by Mike Banham who was the local font of knowledge about everything Old Buckenham. The rain abated for the start of our walk and although we had some light rain at times, during the walk, no one was put off. We learnt about one or two local celebrities and about the three different grounds which have hosted Old Buckenham Cricket Club. A visit was made to the beautiful current ground to learn that in 1921 it hosted the Australian Touring Side and saw paintings of the ground by former England player Jack Russell, a renowned artist. On the walk, along the drive, into the ground we were greeted by a carpet of snow drops and wild daffodils, a beautiful sight.
The walk ended with a lovely lunch in The Great Hall of The Gamekeeper PH, a magnificent room, we felt like royalty. Andy thanked everyone for supporting Norfolk Over 60s and Over 70s and Ron also thanked everyone especially Andy and Mike for putting in so much effort to organising such a lovely day. A Norfolk player who had prostate cancer also spoke of his journey with the disease and encouraged all to get a PSA test. At last count the walk has raised over £800 for The Bob Willis Fund and Prostate Cancer UK, a magnificent effort and we thank everyone for donating.
Our walks now move on to the following venues;
Warwickshire Over 60s and Over 70s walk at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham on Wednesday 22nd March. This walk will be filmed by SKY TV, Cricket and broadcast on Bobs Blue Day during the Ashes Test Match at Edgbaston in June.
Berkshire Over 60s and Over 70s walk at The White Horse PH, Wokingham on Tuesday 4th April.
Essex Over 60s and Over 70s walk at Old Chelmsfordians CC on Wednesday 12th April.
Surrey Over 60s and Over 70s walk at Horsley and Send CC on Monday 17th April.
Wales Over 60s and Over 70s walk at Abergavenny CC on Wednesday 26th April
Hertfordshire Over 60s and Over 70s walk at The Red Lion PH, Preston, near Hitchin on Friday 12th May.
We hope all Counties will arrange a walk by 15th September 2024.
To donate or join a walk contact Ron at [email protected]
England Cricket Seniors
Arranged Walks for the next three months
17th March 2023 Norfolk Walk The Gamekeeper Old Buckenham Norfolk
22nd March 2023 Warwickshire Walk Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Edgbaston, Birmingham
4th April 2023 Berkshire Walk The White Horse Wokingham Berkshire
12th April 2023 Essex Walk Old Chelmsfordians CC, Chelmsford, Essex
17th April 2023 Surrey Walk Horsley & Send CC, West Horsley, Surrey
26th April 2023 Wales Walk Abergavenny CC, Abergavenny, Wales
12th May 2023 Hertfordshire Walk, The Red Lion, Preston, Hertfordshire
The Warwickshire walk is at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7QU
on Wednesday 22nd March 2023.
The meet is 10.30am for a walk commencing at 11.00am. Details of parking at the ground will be sent asap to those wishing to join the walk.
All walkers will be presented with a Ron’s March T shirt, a Limited Edition Bob Willis Fund Ashes Cap, badges and booklets from Prostate Cancer UK.
At the moment we have Nick Owen, BBC News Presenter, Mick Harford, England footballer, Tony Coton, Man City and Watford, amongst other clubs. Ian Bell, England cricketer, Micky Arthur, leading International cricket coach and Lauren Clark, Bob Willis widow joining our walk.
Sky Sports TV Cricket are to film the walk and carry out interviews. The film will be broadcast on Saturday 17th June 2023 during the Saturday of The Ashes Test at Edgbaston which is the dedicated Bob Willis Fund Day.
If you wish to join this walk, please let me know asap
How to donate to support “Ron’s March” in aid of The Bob Willis Fund and Prostate Cancer UK
The suggested donation is £25 or more if you wish. Every *donation made is most welcome though.
1 Go to www.bobwillisfund.org/ronsmarch
2 Click on the blue text DONATE HERE TO SUPPORT RON
3 Opposite the photo of waving walkers see amounts to donate and also an orange box with DONATE inside it.
Put in an amount and then click on the word DONATE inside the orange box.
4 The next page will bring up how to pay on the left and on the right a summary of your donation.
Where it says OPTIONAL TIP it has 20% and if you donate £20 the funding site will take £4.00 extra on top of your £20. We suggest you put 0 in this box instead of 20% or an amount you are prepared to donate to the funding site.
5 On the left of the page under ways to pay you will see GIFT AID.
If you are a tax payer, please tick the box GIFT AID THIS PLEDGE. This makes a huge difference to the amount we raise for this amazing cause.
6 When you have clicked to pay you will be asked to make a comment in a box.
Please say you are supporting Ron’s March and put the name of the County, or Country, you are walking with. IE. If you were on the Worcestershire walk you would mention the Worcestershire walk in the comments box.
This helps us to know how much England Cricket Seniors will have raised and gives us a total for each and every County walk.
When you join a walk, you will be asked to wear the T shirt and cap provided and you will also receive a Prostate Cancer UK “Men” badge and a Bob Willis Fund badge plus, if supplies allow, a booklet about prostate cancer. *These all cost between £7/£8 to produce so please take this into account when you donate. The T shirts and caps have been a great success so far as people have stopped walkers to discuss our campaign and most have then made a donation.
It will be most appreciated if you donate to the fund, if only to cover the costs.
Prostate Cancer Fund Raising Walks
24/02/2023
We are delighted to announce that our walk on Wednesday 22nd March at The Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, organised by Warwickshire Over 60s and Over 70s is to be filmed by SKY Sports T.V -- Cricket.
They will also carry out interviews on the day. We will be joined by Nick Owen, BBC News Presenter and Mick Harford, who played for Birmingham City FC and Luton Town FC, plus a few more Clubs.
Yesterday I was contacted with a request for Ian Bell and Micky Arthur to join us.
The film will be aired on the Saturday of The Edgbaston Ashes Test Match on Saturday 17th June 2023 and will be on the SKY Cricket channel..
It is hoped that we will be able to plug Over 60s and Over 70s cricket to the wider cricketing world.
Thanks go to Dave Murphy for organising the walk at Edgbaston and to The Bob Willis Fund for getting SKY T.V on board.
We are hopeful that Ian Pont will join the Essex walk on the 12th April 2023.
We are hoping that more Counties will arrange walks over the coming months.
Tomorrow, Saturday, Mick Harford will be featured on the Jeff Stelling football results show on Sky Sports, in a film about his journey with prostate cancer. You can watch the film by visiting www.lutontown.co.uk
16/01/2023
A short note to keep you up to date with our Prostate Cancer walks.
I have attached a sheet detailing the walks we have done and those that are planned for March and April, so far.
We are looking forward to walking in Norfolk, at Edgbaston, in Essex and in Wales in the near future.
We have it confirmed that all being well Nick Owen (BBC) and Mick Harford (Luton Town FC and Birmingham City, amongst other Clubs) will join our Edgbaston walk. We are hopeful that some ex Warwickshire players will join us too.
The Essex walk will take in the County Ground at Chelmsford and we are hopeful of support from the County Club.
An Essex Auction House has offered to help our fund raising by auctioning lots for us. All we have to do now is to find some suitable lots to auction. If you or any of your members have any ideas or items they can give us please get in touch with me asap.
We are hopeful for some interesting and exciting news, in the near future, re our walks and also National Cricket Seniors. Watch this space.
If you could forward this email to your members we shall be most grateful.
If you have not looked to organise a walk yet, please do if at all possible.
You have until summer 2024 to arrange one.
Bob Willis Fund.
Ron’s March 7th December 2022
Our third walk involving the Counties playing England Cricket Seniors Over 60s County cricket took place on Wednesday 7th December 2022 and was organised by Suffolk seniors.
Suffolk have a regular monthly walking group, Ron and Pat Hedley were invited to join the walk to help raise funds for prostate cancer research. We thank Ken Jones for organising the day and Rob Jenkin for leading the walk. We also thank all of those who took part and The Jolly Sailor staff for their help and service.
The walk commenced with tea or coffee at The Jolly Sailor pub in the lovely village of Orford. Twenty seven men and women joined the walk with an array of dogs. We walked though Orford and the surrounding countryside returning to The Jolly Sailor for lunch. Six miles were completed and yet again we did not have a drop of rain to spoil the walk. Richard and Tony travelled from Buckinghamshire to join the walk and support the cause as did Nick Goode from Essex.
The walkers stopped for a short time at Sudbourne Hall Cricket Club to remember three Suffolk cricketers who have passed away this year. Two of the players were members of Sudbourne Hall CC. Our thoughts were with the families of Alan Burt, Peter Clift and Mark Sargeant. They will be sorely missed by Suffolk seniors.
The walk took in the lovely Orford Castle and Sudbourne Hall.
Donations can be made by going to www.bobwillisfund.org/ronsmarch and clicking on “donate here to support Ron”. The money is vital for research but more than anything our walks are about getting men to be aware of the danger of prostate cancer and to get tested on a regular basis.
The following walks have been arranged for 2023 with more to be finalised.
Norfolk 17th March 2023 at Old Buckenham CC.
Warwickshire 22nd March 2023 at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
Essex 12th April 2023 at Old Chelmsfordians CC.
Wales 26th April at Abergavenny CC.
From the 7th December Suffolk Walk
From the 3rd November Wiltshire Walk
12/11/2022
Next walk Wednesday 7th December
Hosted by Suffolk Seniors. Meeting time 10 am at The Jolly Sailor Inn
Orford,
Woodbridge
Suffolk
IP12 2NU. The walk will be of 5/6 miles and end with lunch at the pub.
If you are interested in going please let Ron know by Monday 5th DecemberI as he needs to provide lunch numbers to the pub.
County
Date
Place
No Walkers
Donations*
Bedfordshire
Berkshire
4th April
The White Horse Public House, Easthamstead Road, Wokingham, RG40 3AF
Buckinghamshire
Cambs-Hunts
Cheshire
Cornwall
Derbyshire
Devon
Durham-Northumberland
Essex
12th April 2023
Old Chelmsfordians CC Roxwell Road, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3SA
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Hertfordshire
12th May
The Red Lion, Preston, near Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 7UD
Kent
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Middlesex
Norfolk
17th March 2023
Old Buckenham CC, Old Buckenham, Attleborough NR17 1PQ
* Donations ; Some have been made directly to Prostate Cancer Uk / or Bob Willis Fund and may not be accurate
Please donate via www.bobwillisfund.org/ronsmarch
Click on the blue text "donate here to support ron"
Please do not click on any other donate icon.
01/10/2022
England Cricket Seniors Ron’s March for prostate cancer research
Prostate and bone cancer sufferer Ron Hedley is looking to organise 33 marches, one in every County playing Over 60s cricket, the host County organising a walk. It is a two-year plan.
First Walk.
Wednesday 28th September 2022 and the first of Ron's Marches took place at New Road, Worcester during the County Championship fixture between Worcestershire and Middlesex.
We had 31 walkers from Worcestershire, Buckinghamshire and Middlesex and were joined by Jade Dyer of Prostate Cancer UK..
The march went along the river and lasted for about an hour. Before the march we were joined for a photo shoot by the Worcestershire captain Brett D'Oliveria and othey Worcestershire players, an honour.
We then spent the day watching the cricket in such a lovely setting on a gloriuos sunny day. We chatted to spectators who were very interested in our campaign and several made donations.
The Chairman of Worcestershire came down to welcome us all and applaud our efforts. We are indebted to David Hoskins for arranging the day and all of the staff or Worcestershire CCC who were wonderful to us all.
Thank you to everyone who joined our walk and contributed to our fund raising. The walk is close to raising £1000.
You can also follow our marches at http://www.bobwillisfund.org/ronsmarch and also donate.
Anybody can join our walks, just let me know.
Our next walk is from Devizes Cricket Club on Thursday 3rd November 2022 and we are delighted to say we will be joined by the Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, Laura Kerby.
The meet will be at 1045 and after a walk of a couple of hours along the Kennett and Avon canal we will enjoy a pub lunch.
England Cricket Seniors Walks 2022 – 2024
Having joined a Jeff Stelling, March for Men, in 2017 to raise funds for prostate cancer research a year later Ron Hedley was diagnosed with prostate and bone cancer in November 2018. He decided to spread the message that this disease would affect 1 in 8 men and encouraged mento get checked.
Through his work with Buckinghamshire Over 60s and Over 70s cricket Ron had a large audience to alert for PSA testing. With the help of many team mates, friends and celebrities Ron organised a cricket match, a lunch and auction then nine walks which ended with a lunch in which Allan Lamb and Mick Harford, both prostate cancer sufferers, joined 80 other people to raise funds. The three initiatives have so far raised £19, 000 for prostate cancer research.
Having thought the second lunch would be the end of his fundraising Ron was inspired, after talking to the CEO of Prostate Cancer UK and to the widow of Bob Willis, Lauren Clark, that maybe one more walk should be arranged. The one more walk has now become potentially 33 walks across England and Wales. The idea being that every County playing Over 60s cricket organises a walk in their County and get their players to join Ron and donate to the cause. There are 32 Counties and Wales who could potentially organise a walk. To accommodate so many possible walks Ron has set a date of the 15th September 2024, his 75th birthday, for the final walk to take place. We are hoping the final walk will be at Lords Cricket Ground.
We are delighted to announce that several Counties have already agreed to organise a walk. We thank Wiltshire, Norfolk, Berkshire, Essex, Surrey, Warwickshire and Kent who have been in touch to organise a walk in their County in the near future.
We understand that the Northern Group have a plan for fund raising and we wait to hear the details.
The first walk is at New Road, Worcester on Wednesday 28th September 2022 during the County Championship match between Worcestershire CCC and Middlesex CCC. We are indebted to David Hoskins of Worcestershire CCC for his help in setting up this walk and to the players of both Counties who we hope will encourage the walkers before they set off.
Wiltshire are planning a walk along the Kennet and Avon canal followed by lunch on Thursday 3rd November 2022 starting from Devizes CC meet at 10:45 am.
Norfolk have organised a walk at Old Buckenham CC on Friday 17th March 2023
Funds raised will be directed to Prostate Cancer UK through the Bob Willis Fund.
I am pleased to say that some Counties have been in touch to discuss arranging a walk and one group are hoping to organise a Sportsman's Dinner to raise funds.
The first walk is to be on Wednesday 28th September 2022 at New Road, Worcester during the four day match against Middlesex CCC. Walkers are invited to do the walk and then watch the cricket, for the rest of the day.
We are advised that it is hoped some of the Middlesex CCC players will join us for a photo shoot.
Norfolk have arranged a walk for March 2023 at Old Buckenham CC and we are in talks with other Counties.
Former England test player Bob Taylor has suggested he will walk with us if Derbyshire are able to arrange a walk.
It is possible that our final walk will be at Lords Cricket Ground on Sunday 15th September 2024, my 75th Birthday.
Chesham CC, Buckinghamshire have invited us to play a match at the Club on Sunday 25th September 2022 in aid of raising funds. At the moment we have Mick Harford, former Luton Town FC, amongst several other Clubs, and England footballer playing. We are hoping to attract one or two other sporting heroes to join us. If you have prostate cancer and would like to be considered to play please get in touch.
We are joining forces with The Bob Willis Fund as well as Prostate Cancer UK to help develop research into prostate cancer and our fund raising will support both Charities.
We really hope that your County will become involved in our campaign and help men survive this awful disease.
In the past month I have heard of 5 cricketers who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and three of them with bone cancer too.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Ron Hedley
Chairman
Buckinghamshire County Cricket Club, Over 60s and Over 70s
01494 812645
07710 987 950
Allan Lamb, Geoff Miller, Lauren Clark (widow of Bob Wilis) Ron Hedley
16/01/2022
Prostrate Cancer Fund Raising Walks
The Over 60s and Over 70s of Buckinghamshire CCC along with our friends from Middlesex CCC and Berkshire CCC have been on a series of walks to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
The Bucks Over 60s and Over 70s Chairman, Ron Hedley, has prostate and bone cancer and has been raising money for the cause since 2017.
A walk with Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling in 2017 raised almost £4000. A cricket match with lunch against an England Over 60s Xl also raised £4000 in 2019.
In 2021 Ron took on the challenge of raising more funds and the idea of walks from all the home grounds Ron had played Over 60s and Over 70s at during 2021 came to fruition. In September and October 58 people from the three Counties took part in one of our seven walks. The walks have raised nearly £6000 thanks to the walkers their families and friends.
In April we shall be completing our challenge with walks from Kimble CC, Beaconsfield CC and High Wycombe CC. The High Wycombe CC walk will include a thank you lunch to all who have taken part in one of the walks and have contributed to the cause.
This week we have heard that an England cricketing legend is looking to join us for one of the walks, brilliant news. Further news when we finalise that he will be able to join us.
If you would like to join us by making a financial contribution please go to
You can also go to the Prostate Cancer UK face book page and see a photo of the prostate cancer decorated Christmas Tree displayed at Ron’s local Church as part of their Christmas Tree festival.
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