Northamptonshire County Cricket Club pathway coach Luke Sharples is tackling a one-hundred hour coaching challenge to raise money for Jordan’s Weeones – a children’s cancer charity focusing on supporting the families of children diagnosed with cancer or a life limiting illness.
Jordan’s Weeones was setup by Luke’s girlfriend and her family, as her younger sister – Jordan – sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 16 in 2014. Jordan has been described as a much-loved daughter and sister who would brighten up every room with her bubbly, friendly personality. It was in fact Jordan’s idea to start the charity before her passing, to provide the much-needed support to families who need it most.
“The grants Jordan’s Weeones provide make a huge difference. Not all families live near the hospitals that provide the specialist treatment these children need, so this kind of travel can be a big financial hit on families. The same goes for car parking fees, overnight stays and food costs, all so they can be close to their child” said Luke.
“These grants attempt to bridge that gap and make a stressful time less financially challenging for them”.
Luke is therefore doing his part to raise money to support Jordan’s Weeones by doing one hundred 1-hour coaching sessions. Luke commented on why he chose coaching to fundraise “I hope that this will be a win/win in that not only will we be raising money for a great cause, but also supporting the growth and development of young cricketers at the same time”.
A key challenge comes from Luke organising the sessions around his work schedule and finding free locations to hold them to ensure as much of the money as possible goes to Jordan’s Weeones.
“Northamptonshire CCC have been very supportive so far and have very generously been offering their lanes for free to allow all of the money donated to go directly to the charity“.
“It would be great if other clubs will come on board as the summer comes along and volunteer their nets facilities for a few hours when they’re free”.
You can donate to support Luke’s efforts and make a huge difference to families who need it most. Any support would be massively appreciated by everyone at Jordan’s Weeones as well as at the Club.
Further to donating, there are many more ways you can support the charity, such as sharing the charity’s social media, organising your own fundraising event and taking on your own challenge!