Hartlepool Cricket Club’s Over 40s football team will take on Hartlepool Cricket Club’s Over 40s cricket team on Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August in the annual 20-over charity match for the Danny Shurmer/James Parkinson Memorial Trophy.
The Over 40s football team launched the Park Drive charity cricket match last year – and raised an amazing £5,500 for the hospice.
Nic Smith, manager of the Hartlepool CC Over 40s football team, said: “We’ve had fantastic support already for this year’s event, including from our main event sponsor Mega Clearance Outlet. We are also hoping to get all 22 players sponsored by a business or individual to the tune of £25. A number of people have supported us so far, but it would be great if others could come forward. It promises to be another action-packed day. In addition to the cricket, there will also be DJ Les Watts, a raffle, an auction of sporting memorabilia – along with food and entertainment from Park Drive’s very own Brad Frank.”
Alastair Rae, manager of the Hartlepool CC Over 40s cricket team, added: “I hope more people can support us. Alice House Hospice provides an amazing service to the people of our town which is only possible because of the generous, charitable backing they receive.”
Anyone sponsoring a player will have their name printed in the matchday programme along with other publicity.
Cricketers will be competing for the Danny Shurmer/James Parkinson Memorial Trophy which has been donated by Harrison Smith, who runs his own financial advice firm – Azalea Wealth Management – at Queens Meadow Business Park.
Danny Shurmer – a former first teamer at Park Drive and an outstanding goalkeeper – passed away, aged just 43, following a cardiac arrest in 2021.
His parents – Bill and Pam – have since led a campaign which has resulted in almost 100 defibrillators being located in community locations throughout Hartlepool.
James Parkinson – a talented footballer and firefighter – died suddenly last September, aged just 47, just days after scoring the winning runs in last year’s charity cricket match.
There will also be a Player of the Match award in memory of Park Drive stalwart John Rae who died earlier this year.
The former Junior Representative has connections at Park Drive going back 80 years.
The Player of the Match award will be adjudicated by match umpires Gavin Spaldin and Dennis Skilbeck.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a player should contact Nic Smith on 07885 613534.
A bumper August Bank Holiday weekend is promised at Park Drive as the annual double wicket competition in memory of club legend Ian Jackson takes place on Sunday, 30 August. The fun on both days will get underway around 12noon.
