Henley cricketers raise over £14,000 for CMT with the UK’s Highest Cricket Match played on a Flicx Pitch

On Monday, a team from Henley Cricket Club played England’s highest cricket match at an altitude of 950 meters atop Helvellyn, facing a Helvellyn XI. This unique event aimed to support the Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Research Foundation, supporting Henley player John Neville, who has been a club member since childhood and captained the 3rd Team before being diagnosed with CMT, a hereditary form of muscular dystrophy, in 2004.

The day began at 8:30 AM, with players assembling at the base of Helvellyn. The Henley team faced a Helvellyn XI comprising players from local clubs, including Ambleside CC, Keswick CC, Stainton CC, and Thelkeld CC. The first challenge was transporting the 2G Flicx Pitch and other equipment up the steep ascent. The pitch was divided into three sections, each carried by two people, taking approximately two scenic hours to reach the summit.

Upon arrival, the conditions were colder and a bit misty adding to the feeling that you were playing up in the clouds. Nonetheless, a relatively level area was found, and the pitch was rolled out. Helvellyn won the toss and chose to bowl first. Henley scored 146 runs in their 20 overs. The Helvellyn team had a strong start in their run chase, suggesting a potential victory. However, Henley managed to take several quick middle-order wickets. Needing three runs off the last ball to win, Helvellyn fell just short, managing only two runs, resulting in a tied game.

The game garnered significant attention at the mountain’s peak. Post-match, the 2G Flicx Pitch was rolled back up into two sections for the descent, using rescue stretchers with metal runners over grassy terrain. For rocky sections, the stretchers were carried by four people. The team successfully descended and celebrated with a post-game beer.

To date, the match has raised £14,000. John Neville expressed his gratitude

“It’s just remarkable. I can’t believe everyone’s generosity and support for something I live with every day. Thanks to my core group of friends and their families who have donated. Every penny funds clinical research and trials to find a cure. Initially, I aimed to raise £1-2,000, but with encouragement, we set a higher goal of £10,000.”

John Neville

Following the Helvellyn match, the cricketers are exploring other challenges to boost their fundraising efforts. Ben McGregor from Ambleside Cricket Club remarked that the players wished they “could play there every week” and expressed interest in attempting another record-breaking event, suggesting possibilities like playing on a lake or at the lowest altitude.

For more details and to support their cause, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/highestcricketmatch