Graham Gooch OBE is set to take on a 193-mile walk to raise funds for the PCA Benevolent Fund and Graham Gooch Scholarship this September in ‘Goochie’s Coast 2 Coast 2018’.
Gooch, who previously donated £50,000 to the PCA Benevolent Fund from his Scholarship, is now aiming to raise £20,000 to be split across both charities as he undertakes the famous ‘the Wainwright Coast to Coast walk’ from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.
Gooch, who will be joined by his partner and three friends, is hopeful that the funds raised will help the Benevolent Fund and his Scholarship continue their “great work.”
“We want to raise money for all the great things the PCA supply for present players, past players and future cricketers,” he said.
“I’ve seen first-hand what work goes into supporting these cricketers and to help this is something I’m very passionate about.”
The PCA Benevolent Fund is part of the PCA’s commitment to helping former and current players and their dependants in times of hardship and upheaval or to readjust to the world beyond the game.
The charity provides support in a huge variety of ways, both reactively and increasingly proactively with a drive to help and educate PCA members on all health and wellbeing issues key in helping players to negate problems further down the line.
Gooch, who was named PCA President in March 2018, has also run his own Scholarship programme for fifteen years under the umbrella of the Essex Cricket Foundation.
Having previously played for the county for 24 years, Gooch’s Scholarship supports initiatives including the Essex Cricket Academy with the charity funding their recent Indian coaching camp in February 2018. The Scholarship frequently sends young Essex players on overseas coaching and playing tours, trips that Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara and most recently Aaron Beard have benefited from.
Embarking on the 193-mile hike which starts in Cumbria on September 17 with the finish line in North Yorkshire on September 29, the former England Captain recognises this different approach as he attempts the gruelling 14-day challenge. The fundraising trek is something that “excites” Gooch as he looks to step out of his comfort zone.
“I wanted to branch out from the usual fundraisers, it’s a physical challenge and something I’m really looking forward to,” he continued.
“We do like challenges and I think this is a different approach to raise some funds for two excellent causes.
“The walk averages just over 15 miles a day. In the Lake District the first five days will be tough because it’s very up and down.
“We’re training for it, it should be fun, but it is going to be a challenge.”
Gooch is encouraging day walkers to join him on the trail across the coast to support with raising funds.
To donate visit ‘Goochie’s Coast 2 Coast 2018’ Just Giving page, where there will also be an option to include Gift Aid.
For more information on how to get involved contact Sam Relf – [email protected]
