A veteran Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club (HWRCC) member has embarked on his latest fundraising challenge – to run a half marathon every week for the whole of 2025.

Hitting 50 was dreamt up by Ian Collier as he heads towards his own personal half century – to help the Bushy Park club rebuild after its pavilion was destroyed in a devastating fire in 2023.

Initial fundraising by HWRCC has helped the historic Bushy Park club survive in the short term.

However, money is now needed to rebuild the pavilion to provide modern facilities that benefit the whole community.

Collier said: "I have run a few marathons over the years as part of fundraising – but this is a whole different challenge.

"There's no way you can take a few weeks off for a rest because the runs will just pile up.

"I'm not sure what I was thinking to be honest."

HWRCC provides the chance for anyone to play cricket – young/old, boys/girls. And its links with local state schools is helping to open up the game to kids from all backgrounds.

It is also home to Harlequin Amateurs RFC.

HWRCC Chairman, Sam Kemp said: "Ian has always been a big part of the Wick as a player, a captain and fundraiser-in-chief; but his Hitting 50 challenge takes it to another level!

"As a club we are hugely indebted to Ian and appreciative of his energy and love for the Wick. I encourage everyone who knows Ian and all cricket lovers to show their support for his mad-cap challenge."

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 said: "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.

Event one saw Collier run the Battersea Park Half Marathon on 4 January, so he now just another 49 to go.

Collier ran his first event, the Battersea Park Half Marathon over the weekend (Image supplied)

But he said 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.

"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, and every penny of the money raised will go towards that aim."

See below the current official events in Hitting 50 calendar:

• 19 January: Richmond Park Half
• 26 January: Finsbury Park Half
• 16 February: Hampton Court Half
• 2 March: Richmond Park Half
• 8 March: Battersea Park Half
• 23 March: Hampton Court Half
• 6 April: Brighton Marathon

HWRCC is a local stalwart of more than 160 years.

As a club it prides itself on being friendly and welcoming. 

With five Saturday sides playing in the Surrey Championship, a mid-week T20 team, a Sunday XI and youth cricket for both boys and girls – there's a chance for everyone to take part.

You can find more details on the Hitting 50 campaign here.

You can find more details on Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club here.

You can find more details on Opening Up Cricket here.