Phil Rixon

Cricket has been absolutely transformational for my middle son, H, and The Lord's Taverners was fundamental to this. I'd like to help raise funds so other young people have the same opportunities.

In his very first year in SEN Secondary School, one of his teachers introduced their Table Cricket scheme, and from there H went on to take part in the Super 1 programme. which he still participates in today. He moved to Super 9s, and Hampshire won the regional championship in his first season!

Now, aged 16, this is his first full (well, as full as the weather allowed!) hard ball season with the D40 Pursuit Hants/Dorset side as well as our club team, Beaulieu.

Every step has been challenging for H for a variety of reasons. At every step, cricket and its truly wonderful community, has been so important for his self confidence, skills, resilience, friendship groups and so much more.

I think cricket will always be a key part of H's life - and who knows what his cricket future or wider life might hold!

I started running in November 2022, and I've never done the Great South Run before. I thought it would be a good challenge to work toward, and what better than doing it while trying to raise some funds for a charity which does such amazing work.