Ben Stokes to run half marathon, raise funds
What's the story
England cricket team all-rounder Ben Stokes will run his maiden half marathon on Tuesday to raise funds for a charity and hospitals battling the coronavirus pandemic. In a video message posted on Instagram, the star cricketer said he was inspired by three men calling themselves the 'Cricket Garden Marathon Team', who ran full marathons in their own backyards. Here's more.
Half marathon
Stokes always wanted to be part of a half marathon
"(A half marathon) is always been something that I've thought about doing a but never really got around to ever doing it," Stokes said. "Obviously we've been in lockdown so I thought what a great opportunity to go out and if I'm going to do it I might as well try and raise some funds," he added.
Donation
Stokes hopes people will donate for the cause
The 28-year-old cricketer hopes his effort will encourage people to donate to the page set up by the Cricket Garden Marathon team. "I will be hopefully inspiring people to make some donations towards the Cricket Garden Marathon, I'm just trying to add some more funds to what they've managed to do," the Englishman stated.
Funds
The marathon is aiming to raise funds
The marathon is aiming to raise funds for Britain's National Health Services (NHS) and the Chance to Shine foundation. The latter is very close to Stokes' heart as it works to provide all children several opportunities through cricket. "They are supporting NHS and are also supporting Chance to Shine which is obviously got a very close attachment to cricket, which is what I am."
Contributions
Several cricketers have contributed to the cause
Earlier, Team India skipper Virat Kohli and former South African batsman AB de Villiers put their kits from the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Gujarat Lions on auction to aid the battle against coronavirus. Also, England-wicketkeeper Jos Buttler raised 65,000 pounds by auctioning his 2019 World Cup final shirt.