A campaign set up by three cricket-enthusiasts from Staffordshire that encourages fans of the sport to grow facial hair for the NHS has ploughed through the £10,000 mark.
David Fairbanks from Audley and friends Craig Barker and David Edwards decided to launch ‘Smash The Tash – Cricketers Against Covid-19’ in the absence of the cricket season with all money raised from the initiative going to NHS Charities Together.
The organisers said they are delighted to have reached such a landmark milestone.
“I recently spoke to Craig and we are absolutely over the moon to reach the £10,000 mark,” David Fairbanks told Sport in Staffs.
“If we can have a positive influence on people’s lives during these sad and depressing times then we’ve agreed we must continue our efforts.”
A vast amount of cricket players, coaches and fans from all around the globe have contributed to the cause, including legendary Australian fast bowler Merv Hughes.
Closer to home, Stone SP Cricket Club has started its own fundraising scheme to support the Smash The Tash effort with members pledging to run 100 miles each in the month of May.
David stated: “Stone have now set the benchmark in setting up their own initiative. Rather than donating as a club, we want to encourage all clubs to do their own thing – it helps to pass the time especially on match days.”
The fundraiser has given many in the cricket community something to focus on amidst the delayed start to the season due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“It’s definitely helping us out,” David continued.
“We may not be able to don the whites just yet but what we can do is interact from club to club and talk to one another.
“It’s definitely been worthwhile and productive. The feedback we’ve had privately has been great so our aim to is keep pushing and raising awareness outside of North Staffordshire.
“We need to remember why we are doing it, though. Cricket does play a significant role in some people’s lives – most definitely mine – but if we stay patient and ‘dig in’ and help those who are helping us, then we might just see two umpires walking out to the wicket in the near future, fingers crossed.”
As of Monday afternoon (May 4), the total amount raised for the NHS so far is just shy of £10,800.
If you would like to donate to this cause, click here.
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