A fitting finale for the Johnners Trust

The Johnners Trust was formed in 1995 in memory of the late BBC Test Match Special commentator Brian ‘Johnners’ Johnston, and was founded by Brian’s widow Pauline Johnston. It was originally known as the Brian Johnston Memorial Trust.

Notable former Johnners Scholars who have gone on to succeed at the international level include Ben Foakes, Heather Knight, Tymal Mills, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Adil Rashid, Anya Shrubsole and Rehan Ahmed.

Each year the Trust has awarded grants, known as Johnners Scholarships, to talented youth cricketers in England and Wales who need help to meet the costs of travelling to training, or buying the necessary kit to fulfil their potential at county and regional level and upwards.

The Trust also awarded grants to Blind Cricket England and Wales to support Visually Impaired cricket.

Brian’s son, Barry, expressed his gratitude for all those who have ensured the Trust has continued to have an impact through its work and supported the cause so well since its formation at the final Johnners Trust Dinner.

“Thanks to the support of so many people over the years, we have helped literally hundreds of young cricketers through our scholarships to pay for their kit or their travel expenses so that they can attend their local academies for coaching. We’ve sponsored the ECB’s spin bowling programme and provided valuable funds for visually impaired cricket throughout England and Wales.  

“A huge thank you to everyone who attended our annual fundraising dinners since they were introduced and sharing these evenings with us in support of the Trust. Many of you have been coming year after year and your support has been incredible.

“My father Brian would be so proud of what we have achieved in his name and so would my mother Pauline, who founded the trust. Thank you from me and all the Johnston family.”

Further details on when the Johnners Trust will officially come to a close will be shared in due course.