An update from our CEO

Hi all,

I’m writing this just days after London Marathon day, and what a day it was!

Anyone who has ever taken on, or attended, the world’s most famous run knows how special and uplifting this event is. We have been incredibly fortunate to have 65 runners in our team this year and I want to say the biggest of thank yous to each and every one of you, for all of your fundraising and training efforts over the past six months, and braving the gruelling heat to complete the 26.2 mile course across the capital on Sunday.

There are so many incredible stories behind all of our runners journeys to the finish line, whether it be our first ever cricket programme participant to run a Marathon for us in Connor Hyde, former Paralympic swimmer Jessica Smith, Marathon regular Rob Ditcham, our Chair Tim Luckhurst and daughter Shelby, team Captain Liam Byrne, or staff members Katie Holland and Becky Howie. What you’ve all collectively achieved is something I hope you always cherish. It was a great party atmosphere at our post-race reception, where I had the honour of sharing some time and celebrating with many of those who were part of Team Tavs this year...Thank you for the honour of being part of it.

Congratulations once again, we are so grateful for your support of the charity.

I’d also like to thank our staff who were so instrumental in making the Marathon experience the best it could possibly be. I know Sadique Ahmed and Maddi Power have invested a huge amount of time in supporting the team in the lead up to, and on, the day and I am sure I speak for everyone when I say a massive well done and a huge thanks to both of you. This was also the first Marathon which saw our Youth Ambassadors being an integral part of the day. Our runners loved being able to meet those who have benefited from the programmes they are fundraising for, and they played a huge part in ensuring the day ran smoothly. We look forward to our youth ambassadors becoming more involved in all of our activity as we move forward.

Our Marathon team’s fundraising figure has now exceeded the £180,000 mark and is still rising well on course to hit the £200,000 mark soon, which is a brilliant effort from all involved. If you’re reading this and haven’t donated to the team yet, you can do so by visiting the team’s fundraising page here... Let’s see if we can collectively get the team over the big milestone mark!

Following hot on the heels of Marathon day this week sees the start of nine table cricket regional competitions taking place between now and 20 May, which will decide who qualifies for National Finals Day at Lord’s on 25 June. I headed to Stoke Mandeville to see the regional heats kick off and as always with one of our biggest supporters Lesley Williams on Tuesday 29 April, it was great to see all participants, teachers and parents so engaged in all aspects of the game and the day. Good luck to everyone taking part over the next three weeks or so, and I hope many members and supporters reading this get the opportunity to watch these first-hand and see how beneficial this inclusive sport is for all the young people with disabilities taking part.

There are so many events coming up that I don’t have space in this column to mention them all. But I’d like to draw attention in particular to our event with Stephen Fry on 28 July at Lord’s, which is set to be one of our biggest fundraising lunches for quite some time. It would be fantastic if you could join us for it if you haven’t already booked your tickets. There are still more special guests to be confirmed for this one so watch this space…

All of you will have now received details on how to vote ahead of our upcoming AGM. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Rachel Roy on any questions you may have about this, and make sure you let us know if you’ll be attending our AGM on 15 May at Lord’s as well as our post AGM social with the Cricketer magazine taking place in our founding place, the Lord’s Tavern, immediately afterwards. Please do join us, meet fellow members, our new Chair Lucy Pearson and have your say on the direction of the charity.

To really kick off the 75^th celebrations, on Tuesday evening of this week I had the absolute honour and privilege to join our Chair Tim Luckhurst, President David Gower, 75^th anniversary committee Chair David Robinson and a small number of specially invited guests, as well as three of our youth ambassadors and members of the staff team at the Speakers House in the Palace of Westminster for an incredible 75^th anniversary celebration reception and dinner. We were invited as guests of the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who spoke about his love and passion for the game of cricket, and Lancashire in particular, as well as the importance of our work as a charity and what the game of cricket can do for young people and communities. All of the guests had a wonderful time in an incredible setting on a fantastic night for the Taverners. My huge thanks to Sir Lindsay, who was a fabulous host and was presented with an honorary Taverners membership from our Chair Tim Luckhurst.

As mentioned in recent newsletters, there are numerous events taking place up and down the country near you that you can book your place for now to support the charity in our 75^th anniversary year. Thanks again to our staff team, our 75^th anniversary committee and all of our regional members and volunteers working so hard to bring all these events together. What a summer we have coming up! To see a full list of upcoming events and how to book your tickets, click here.

I end this month’s message on a deeply sad note. I wish to send heartfelt condolences to former Lord’s Taverners Chair, David Collier, whose wife Jenny very sadly passed away recently. David, on behalf of everyone here at the charity, we’re all so sorry for your loss and we all send our deepest condolences to you, Simon, Zoe, Mark and all of your family and friends at this very sad time.

David and Jenny were also very fondly remembered at my own cricket club, Eastcote CC in Middlesex where the family have a very long close association and are much loved by so many… Rest in peace Jenny.

Best wishes,
Mark