Bedford Girls’ School Sixth Former, Izzy Gurney, was joined by England cricket greats, Alastair Cook and Graham Gooch, on Tuesday night (21st June), in her efforts to raise money for charity.
As part of her Playing For Pitches fundraising campaign for Afghan Connection, a charity which supports refugees returning to Afghanistan, and its programme to promote gender equality for girls through cricket, Izzy hosted an evening of cricket on Bedford School’s pristine cricket pitches.
England’s finest cricket captains, Old Bedfordian Cook, and Gooch, held masterclasses for Bedford School and BGS students, and signed shirts, ahead of mini games between the two schools’ teachers and students. Bedford School provided a barbecue and Izzy organised a raffle of cricket related prizes to raise further funds.
Having received donations totaling £205 via her JustGiving page, Izzy, who keeps wicket for Buckinghamshire U17 Girls, raised a further £1,000 on the night.
Miss MacKenzie, Bedford Girls’ School Headmistress, said: “It is part of the School’s ethos to engage in community and charity work.
“Our girls are passionate about the rights of girls and women across the world, and choose to support causes which address these issues.”
She added: “Izzy has worked tirelessly in raising money for Afghan Connection. The support shown on Tuesday night at Bedford School by Alastair Cook and Graham Gooch, staff, students and parents proves just what an important issue gender equality for girls is.
“For the boys and girls to work collaboratively on important issues such as Playing For Pitches is very rewarding for them, and helps them grow as individuals.”
17-year-old Izzy also hopes to raise more money through a silent auction of a framed authentic England Test Match shirt – signed and dated by Cook, and an Essex CCC bat signed by Cook, Gooch and members of the Essex Squad.
The auction launched today (Friday) and will remain open until Sunday 3rd July. To enter to win either of these incredible pieces, please send bids to Playing for Pitches Silent Auction at [email protected]. Minimum reserve prices are £500 for the signed Alastair Cook shirt and £150 for the signed bat.
To make a donation via Izzy’s JustGiving page, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Playing-For-Pitches
