Winston’s Wish are hugely grateful to charity partners Shoosmiths, who have raised £739 for the childhood bereavement charity via their support of a Royal London One Day Cup cricket match.

The 50-over game between Northants Cricket’s Steelbacks and Worcestershire Royalstook place on Tuesday 29^th July at the beautiful setting of Campbell Park in Milton Keynes.

Shoosmiths supported the game as the main sponsor, whilst staff and volunteers fundraised for Winston’s Wish throughout the event.

Kathryn Leverett, Community Fundraising Team Leader at Winston’s Wish, tossed the coin to start the game with the two captains. She commented:

“An enormous thank you to everyone involved who helped to not only raise over £700 with the raffle and bucket collection for Winston’s Wish; but the day enabled the charity to raise its profile within the cricket community”.

Shoosmiths is a top 40 national law firm that aims to raise £60,000 towards the funding of two extra Family Service Practitioners at Winston’s Wish.  A range of fundraising, employee volunteering and profile raising activities are also planned to promote the work of the charity.

Shoosmiths senior associate Simon Fennell said:

“This was the first major game held at Campbell Park this year and we’re proud to be associated with it. With Shoosmiths’ presence in both Milton Keynes and Northampton and our sponsorship of the club for a season and partnership with Winston’s Wish, it made perfect business sense for us to link up with all the parties concerned for this match. This game was a fantastic community event”.

Tannoy messages describing the work of Winston’s Wish were broadcast throughout the day, and an impressive crowd of over 1,500 cricket fans were encouraged to donate and visit the charity’s information stand on the hill. Cheerleaders also sold raffle tickets with three prizes provided by NCC: a Tom Jones signed poster, signed cricket shirt and match tickets for a Steelbacks game.

The money raised from the day could cover the cost of two children attending the Winston’s Wish teenage music group or outward bound programme.

Winston’s Wish helps children rebuild their lives after the death of a parent, brother or sister, enabling them to face the future with confidence and hope. Professional therapeutic help is provided in individual, group and residential settings, and via a national Helpline, interactive website and publications. The charity depends almost entirely on voluntary donations for its income.