Limited edition cricket shirts will be worn by Gloucestershire and Sussex players on Rainbow Day at the Bristol County Ground in support of Rainbow @ Grief Encounter.

Gloucestershire’s familiar black and yellow strip will be switched for the charity’s dominant colour purple for one match only. It will be the first time in Gloucestershire’s 149-year history that the team will wear a one-off charity shirt.

Both sets of players will be sporting bespoke shirts featuring the charity’s signature rainbow across the torso as they face each other in the South Group of the Vitality Blast T20 competition.

The shirts are part of the major fundraising event on 4th August which 100 per cent of the proceeds from shirt sales will go directly to the charity that provides support for bereaved children and their families ¬– a charity that has supported Gloucestershire’s left-arm spinner Tom Smith and his two daughters.

Tom Smith said: ”I am delighted that the club has turned my idea into a major event that is dedicated to Rainbow @ Grief Encounter. Having a shirt specifically made for the match that everyone can wear has made things extra special.

“I’d like to thank Sussex Cricket as well for getting involved and creating a Rainbow Day shirt. It’s heart-warming to know that so many people and organisations can get behind a great cause and support it in such an amazing way.

“I like the tops that have been designed. It will be a little weird to not play T20 cricket in the black and yellow of Gloucestershire but the meaning behind the shirts makes it an honour to wear them.”

Cricket fans who would like to get their hands on this special shirt and contribute to the charity will be able to purchase them from the club shop on the day and online (release date to follow). Purple caps will also be sold in aid of Grief Encounter.

There will be other opportunities to give generously to the charity on the day, including a post-match raffle and bucket collections.

Gloucestershire Cricket would like to encourage all supporters coming to the game to wear purple and other bright colours to create a welcome atmosphere for the families invited along by Rainbow @ Grief Encounter.