CRICKETERS will take part in a “long slog” to every ground in the league to raise money for junior players — as well as another cause close to their heart.

Farnworth Social Circle Cricket Club will walk the 36-mile route with the aim of raising funds for Parkinson’s UK, after its chairman was diagnosed with the disease.

The walk, which takes place on Sunday August 24, will take the club’s members about 14 hours to complete, as they visit each of the grounds in Bolton Cricket League.

The club aims to raise £2,000 from the walk, with half the money going towards its junior teams, ground and equipment, and the other half going to Parkinson’s.

It is hoped that 20 players will take part in the challenge, with 40 juniors expected to join them for the final few miles.

First team captains Christian Walsh and Matthew Parkinson came up with the idea for the walk to honour of the club’s chairman Nigel Howard, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago.

Mr Walsh, aged 35, of Atherton, said: “It will be a real challenge, mentally and physically, but we are a fit group and we will all be really up for it because it’s for a good cause.

“Parkinson’s is a charity which is close to us. I have a close relationship with Nigel and I’ve known him since I was a kid.”

Mr Howard, aged 55, of Little Hulton, was previously part of the club’s committee, before becoming chairman two years ago.

He said: “I’m very proud of the club for selecting Parkinson’s as the charity they want to raise funds for and I’m honoured that they are doing this walk for me.”

Tracey Brooks, the club’s committee secretary, added: “It will be a long slog for those taking part, but hopefully they will make the most of it.

“This is a positive move by the club and it puts us in a good light.”

The walk will start at 5am on August 24 and finish at about 8pm.

To donate money or sponsor the walk, click here