North West law firm Farleys Solicitors has donated £1,500 towards a crowdfunder set up to raise £20,000 to help secure the future of a local cricket club which has been hit hard by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The donation, made through the firm’s charity The Farleys Foundation, to Church and Oswaldtwistle Cricket Club will help towards the club’s five fundraising goals.

The cricket club has been around since 1856 and would normally have a packed season of fundraising events to raise money for the ongoing maintenance and improvements needed. However, due to the impact of the pandemic, all of these events were cancelled leading to a loss of over £58,000.

The club has now launched a crowdfunder to raise £20,000 of their lost revenue. They are planning to use the money to increase participation in junior cricket, including the creation of a new girl’s cricket team; for maintenance and repairs on the ground’s machinery; for ground and pitch maintenance; to improve the facilities in the ground for community use; and to fix the leaky pavilion roof.

Antonia Love, Partner at Farleys Solicitors commented,

“When we heard about the Church and Oswaldtwistle Cricket Club crowdfunder, we knew it was a cause we needed to help with as the club is an important part of our local community.

“Last week was Children’s Mental Health Week (1 Feb-8 Feb 2021) and it is important we continue to raise awareness of the impact of lockdowns and the pandemic on children in our community and across the UK. Sport plays a vital part in helping and improving the mental health of children and we are particularly pleased to have been able to assist a local cause which does such a great job of including both boys and girls in the participation of sports.

“We know the last 12 months have been challenging for everyone but we encourage our friends in Lancashire to help the club reach their crowdfunder total, if they can, so they can receive this much-needed funding.”

Andrew Bentley Secretary at Church Cricket Club commented,

“We are most grateful for the support of the Farleys Foundation. Their significant donation will help to secure the future of the Club and will be crucial in helping it to overcome the effects of the pandemic and will ensure that the Club can continue to provide a valuable community resource.

“Much of the foundation's incredible generosity will go to underpinning our successful junior programme, providing much needed support to children & young people at what is a most challenging time.”

If you would like to donate to the Church and Oswaldtwistle Cricket Club crowdfunder, you can do so here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/securing-our-future-churchcc