AN eight-year-old cricket fan is turning his hand to fundraising to help the hospice which cared for his grandad.

Ollie Pearman, from Worcester, is planning to make a thousand catches over this month in support of St Richard’s Hospice.

Raising funds in memory of grandfather – and former Worcestershire and Leicestershire County Cricketer – David Humphries, Ollie says he would like to say thank you for the wonderful care his family received.

“My grandad was my hero and would play cricket with me, coach me and watch me play. I think about him a lot when I play cricket out in the back garden and it’s made me want to do something in his memory,” he said.

“The hospice did a brilliant job caring for grandad towards the end of his life. I hope that by making 1,000 catches in March, I can raise some money for the support and care the hospice gives to families like mine.”

David Humphries died in July 2020 after a lengthy illness. Alveley-born, he played 170 First Class and 157 List A matches and was a hard-hitting left-handed batsman in addition to being an excellent performer behind the stumps.

He played for Shropshire and then spent three years with Leicestershire before moving to Blackfinch New Road for the 1977 season and spending eight years with the county.

David scored his maiden First Class century against visiting Warwickshire the following season and his career best performance with the bat came in 1984 with 133 not out against Derbyshire at Blackfinch New Road.

Tricia Cavell, fundraising director for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “It’s incredible to think that at just eight years old Ollie has been motivated to take on a fundraising challenge for our care and we know his grandad would be extremely proud of him. At such a young age Ollie has seen first-hand the difference that our care and support can make for a patient and their wider family. It’s our privilege to be there for families like Ollie’s across Worcestershire when they need us.”

To support Ollie’s fundraising challenge visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ollie-pearman

St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.

For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk