COUNTY cricket chiefs have revealed a Worcestershire-based childhood cancer cause as the club’s official charity partner for 2022.
Worcestershire County Cricket Club will take to the field to support Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust this summer and help support its mission to raise awareness of childhood cancer, educate on early signs and symptoms, provide grants for research into the causes and treatments, and support families.
The trust’s ladybird-inspired branding will feature prominently at New Road and have a large presence across the club’s official digital channels throughout 2022.
Founded in memory of four-year-old Grace Kelly who passed away in 2014, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust has now reached a major landmark with a move to new offices.
Their new base now includes a Family Support Hub, which will enable engagement with multiple families in a neutral setting.
The trust aims to make a difference to other children whilst fulfilling Grace’s wish of helping others but receives no statutory funding, so wholly rely on supporters, local businesses and grants for funding.
To continue to offer their vital services, they need to raise in the region of £300,000 each year.
More than 40 charities from across the UK applied to become the club’s partner for 2022 and the club’s nine-strong Charity Committee voted in a secret ballot to decide the lucky winner.
David Hoskins, head of commercial and operations for Worcestershire County Cricket Club, said: “We have so many exciting things in store to help the Trust raise awareness and much-needed funds through the reach of our brand across Worcestershire, the Black Country and beyond.
“We believe we can make a significant contribution to the charity during the year in what is an exciting period of growth for them.
“I know the whole team here at Worcestershire are excited at the opportunity and forward to working together to make the most out of this partnership.
Dr Jen Kelly, CEO of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, added: “The charity’s work is inspired by Grace’s wish to help others and has now become the legacy of so many other children as well.
“We are proud we have recently moved into new offices which contain a family support hub, meaning our growing family support team can work more closely with local families and offer therapeutic support groups, as well as individual and family support.
“Alongside this, we continue to fund vital research, write medical publications and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.
“The charity receives no statutory funding, so the support being offered by Worcestershire County Cricket Club will make a vital difference to our families.”
