Here is the full press release that I have been emailed:
Rooting for our Heroes: England Cricketer Joe Root, Mr Cricket and GM team up to support Help for Heroes
Leading cricket retailer Mr Cricket has teamed up with premier English cricket bat manufacturer Gunn & Moore to launch a new GM ‘Hero’ cricket bat to support one of the UK’s favourite charities, Help for Heroes (H4H).
Paul Redfarn, Managing Director of Mr Cricket, whose brainchild this was, explained that H4H has become a key focus for the business and his family following the sad loss of his daughter’s boyfriend Private Robbie Hayes, aged only 19, whilst on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan in January 2010.
Paul said: “We have been trying to find a way to help those brave soldiers returning from war with life changing injuries, both physical and mental. When we approached Gunn and Moore with this idea they responded enthusiastically and we hope that between us we believe we can really help to make a difference.”
Gunn & Moore Managing Director Peter Wright said: “When Mr Cricket came to us with this idea we were delighted to help. Indeed everyone connected with the company, staff and suppliers alike, has gone the extra mile to help this idea come to fruition.”
The bat was formally presented by England cricketer Joe Root to Help for Heroes ambassador and avid cricketer Mark Taylor near the Tower of London the morning after the England v Sri Lanka T20 at The Oval.
Joe Root said: “The word ‘Heroes’ is much overused in the world of sport and it was a privilege and a pleasure to play a part in helping these real heroes.”
H4H Ambassador and Band of Brothers member Mark Taylor who the Charity has supported through his recovery and plays for the Help for Heroes cricket team said: “It is fantastic that GM and Mr Cricket have teamed up to make this happen and support H4H. The money raised really does help the wounded, injured and sick, whether it is a physical injury or a hidden wound.
“Help for Heroes helped me hold my hand up and say ‘I need help’. I’ve got the closest relationship with my family that I’ve ever had because the Charity has helped me deal with my PTSD and I have become a better person from it. The bat looks great and I can’t wait to give it a good knock!"
The stunning new Hero design will be made in GM’s factory at Nottingham and will only be available from Mr Cricket in Burwell Cambridge or from their online shop
www.mrcricketshop.co.uk. It will retail at only £250 for the 5 Star Grade 1 willow GM bat with £50 going to the Charity for every bat sold.
It is hoped to raise over £10,000 for Help for Heroes.