Updated on
Former England cricketer Matt Maynard has handed across almost £24,000, after completing his epic wellington boots walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of two charities that inspired him.
In October last year, the former Glamorgan head coach – who won 18 England caps – began his mammoth ‘Wellyman’ challenge, to walk a total of 1,189 miles in wellington boots, to raise money for both the Professional Cricketers’ Trust and Help for Heroes.
He was joined on the way by friends, family – including his daughter, Ceri, who completed 12 days with her dad – and former teammates and cricketers along the way including ex-Somerset all-rounder Peter Trego and a four strong Glamorgan contingent of Dave Harrison, Mike Powell, Martin Roberts, and Michael Cann.
And it wasn’t all a stroll in the park for Maynard. Undulating terrain, battling the elements and extreme illness all contributed to an extraordinary trip, which culminated, recently, in the handing across of a cheque for £23,987.44 at Glamorgan's Sophia Gardens.
He explained: “This is the biggest challenge that you can do in the country so I’m overjoyed to complete it, this was just my way of giving something back to two phenomenal charities."
Maynard was, unfortunately, hospitalised just four days into the journey with what turned out to be a severe chest and lung infection. But, after 12 days rest, he was able to continue the walk in stages, as he completed Inverness to Edinburgh; Edinburgh to Kendal; Kendal to Shrewsbury; Shrewsbury to Monmouth; Monmouth to Bridgwater; and Bridgwater to Land’s End.
It wasn’t Maynard’s first hike in wellies, having previously travelled from Cardiff to Colwyn Bay for the Tom Maynard Trust, set up following the tragic death of his son in 2012.
“The Trust has been great to me over the years, when I was a player and when we lost Tom, they’ve done such an excellent job and I’m very grateful to them for how they’ve supported me. The Trust is always there and it’s amazing to think how many players they look after.
Lots of people have completed the John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge but I’ve done some research and I think I’m the first person ever to do it in wellies and in the same pair of wellies too – I think it’s a world first ...
Former England cricketer
“Help for Heroes is a charity I’ve admired for a long time and they have to raise an extremely large amount of money each year. Our forces do an amazing job and I can’t believe some of the struggles that they face so it’s nice to be able to contribute to a worthwhile cause.
“Being hospitalised was a worry but it enabled me to re-evaluate and set more realistic targets for the walk.
“Lots of people have completed the John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge but I’ve done some research and I think I’m the first person ever to do it in wellies and in the same pair of wellies too – I think it’s a world first.”
Our Community Fundraising Manager, Rhys Edwards, said: “This has been a tough challenge for Matt, as could be seen on his daily updates. However, his determination prevailed, and he should be very proud of his efforts, not only personally, but also for his support for Help for Heroes and the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.”