Gloucestershire is delighted to announce that CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading charity for children and young people with cancer, will be one of three official charity partners for 2020, the club’s 150th anniversary.

This is the first season Gloucestershire has had official charity partners, with CLIC Sargent being the club’s county based partner. The partnership will create opportunities to support the important work of the charity in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bristol.

Gloucestershire will be working throughout the year to support CLIC Sargent in raising awareness about their vital work providing emotional, financial and practical support to children and young people living with cancer.

The charity will be involved in the Cheltenham Cricket Festival beginning on 29th June, the England v Australia men’s one-day International and the club’s community day on Sunday 26th July, both at Bristol County Ground.

To round off the year, CLIC Sargent will be partnering with the club for a Fireworks Night at Bristol County Ground. The family-friendly occasion will be a celebration to help bring the curtain down on the club’s 150th year. 

The charity supports young people aged 25 and under during cancer treatment – providing social worker support, grants to help with the financial impact of cancer, and ‘Homes from Home’ close to hospitals for families to stay in.

There are two ‘Homes from Home’ in Bristol for families from across the south west to stay in to help with the emotional and financial strain of travelling for treatment. In the last year, more than 400 families have stayed at CLIC House and Sam’s House in Bristol, saving each family an average of £3,700.

Luke Mallett, Associate Director of Supporter Engagement at CLIC Sargent, said: “We are so excited to partner with Gloucestershire Cricket and are so grateful for the vital support the club will be providing CLIC Sargent in 2020.

“The efforts of the club mean the charity will be able to continue to provide specialist support to local families facing cancer. We want to thank Will Brown of Gloucestershire Cricket and everyone at the club for their incredible support.

“We’re looking forward to getting involved in some fantastic events at the club and in the community this year to raise vital funds for charity while celebrating 150 years of Gloucestershire Cricket.”

Will Brown, Gloucestershire Cricket CEO said: “This is the first time the club has had an official county-based charity partner and we are excited to be helping CLIC Sargent with the great work they do. We had over 50 incredible organisations apply, but we were hugely moved and impressed by the work of CLIC Sargent, and their strong desire to form a close partnership with the club.

“We are excited by what can be achieved together and am sure our supporters will get behind this superb charity.”

Also as part of the agreement, the club will provide facilities at the Bristol County Ground for CLIC Sargent to use, as well as supporting World Cancer Day on the 4th February. ‘Mind the Chaps’ a support group where dads can meet others going through similar experiences, will also be coming to watch Gloucestershire play during the season.