A LONGPARISH cricket star will take part in a marathon in order to raise money for his club.

Harry Martin will take part in the Fordingbridge Marathon in February in order to help the club to purchase new equipment.

The seam bowler is attempting to raise over £1,000 which will be used to buy items such as netting, rope and practice equipment which can be used by the club and its junior section.

Talking about his reasons for taking on the challenge, he told the Andover Advertiser: “I just think it’s a fantastic club.

“I haven’t been there that long, around three years, but I’ve noticed there are so many people who do so much work behind the scenes and give their time for free.

“I normally turn up and just play so I thought it was about time I gave something back.

“The youth club is expanding every year and they need equipment which costs a lot of money.

“Plus I’ve always wanted to do a marathon so this gives me an opportunity to do it and raise some money for the club at the same time.”

Harry, who is a PE teacher by profession, has already raised over £800 after originally setting a target of just £350 when he first took on the challenge back in October.

Talking about his fundraising so far, he said: “I’m really, really inspired.

“There has been a steady flow of donations and some really generous donations from both inside and outside the club.

“People I don’t even know have been donating huge amounts and it’s really motivating me.

“It means I have to go ahead with it now.”

Alongside his fundraising Harry has also been busy training for the event, which takes place on Sunday February 28.

The 25-year-old is regularly completing three to five mile runs after work while taking on longer eight to 12 mile jogs at weekends.

The seamer, who regularly opens the bowling for Longparish, is also combining his jobs with other activities including squash.

He is also hoping to increase his runs in the New Year before taking on practice runs of around 18 to 20 miles in the weeks leading up to the marathon.

He added: “Obviously I’m keen to finish in a good time but I’m not an overly serious runner.

“The main aim for me is just to finish and to raise money for the club.”

Harry will still be fundraising in the run up to the marathon.

If you would like to donate to Harry’s marathon challenge visit the Longparish Cricket Club’s website.

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