A veteran cricketer will be partaking in this weekend's Great North Run as part of a fundraising challenge to run 50 half marathons in 2025.

On Sunday, 7 September, Ian Collier will be on the start line with tens of thousands of other runners - but he will be in full whites, with helmet, pads, gloves and bat.

Collier will be running the Great North Run in full kit (Image supplied)

Representing Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club (HWRCC), the run is part of Collier's Hitting 50 challenge – to run a half century of half marathons in 2025.

The madcap idea was dreamt up after the club's pavilion was destroyed in a suspected arson attack at the end of the 2023 season.

2025 also marks the year of Collier's 50^th birthday.

 HWRCC needs to raise £1.75m to rebuild the pavilion – and create an improved home for the club and better facilities for the local area.

Speaking about the challenge, Collier said: "Am I regretting the 50 half marathons idea? A little, yes.

"It's not the motivation that's not there – it's my old legs and back that are the big issue, which is why I'm having to come up with some harebrained ideas to keep me going.

"To be honest I'm more nervous about looking like a bit of an idiot – but then at least it's not a diving suit, or a pantomime horse costume!"

Hitting 50 is also delighted to be joining forces with Opening Up Cricket – an organisation that provides free mental health and suicide prevention sessions for cricket clubs, schools, and other groups.

Collier added: "Mental health is an issue very close to my heart and I'm so happy we can work with Opening Up Cricket to support them and help them continue their amazing work."

The challenge itself will see Collier run nearly 700 miles – not including training and recovery runs.

The cricketer has now completed 26 out of the 50 runs (as of 27 August), and while there have been a few tough days, he says it will be worth every step.

"I've played for the Wick for more than 12 years and it's become a huge part of my life," he said.

"I see the benefit the club has on the local community, and we now have the opportunity to build a new pavilion that can better serve the local area."

Collier has already raised over £9k.

You can donate to his challenge here.