HAMPSHIRE Cricket have made a donation of more than £50,000 to Southampton Hospitals Charity, as part of the Club’s ongoing fundraising efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The funds will be used towards the construction of a new rehabilitation space at University Hospital Southampton’s General Intensive Care Unit, helping to enhance the care, experience and outcomes for thousands of patients.

The donation, which was presented to Southampton Hospitals Charity at the Ageas Bowl prior to Hampshire’s first home Vitality Blast match against Sussex Sharks, has been raised through a combination of charity auctions, donations from ticket purchasers and profits from the sale of replica Hampshire 2020 playing shirts.

David Mann, Hampshire Cricket Chief Executive, said: “We wanted to create a permanent legacy from the behind-closed-doors Internationals which were held at the Ageas Bowl this summer, whilst also supporting the incredible work being done by the NHS. We organised a number of fundraising initiatives through the course of the summer and have so far raised over £50,000 which will help to fund the construction of a rehabilitation centre in the new Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital Southampton, and directly support their life-saving work."

Max Jonas, General Intensive Care Unit Consultant at University Hospital Southampton, said: “We’re so grateful for the support from Hampshire Cricket to support our Rehabilitation Space in the new GICU. Having a dedicated space to further enhance the care of patients will have a major impact on outcomes and would just not be possible without the support of our local businesses and community.”

All 2020 playing kits are also carrying the NHS logo.