Two years ago I was unable to sprint, turn, twist or have any power with my right leg. This was due to a Meniscus tear within my knee which had no blood supply to repair and heal. I underwent surgery to remove this tear.

Having hated any form of running prior to this, the road to recovery and fitness was tough. I had a great surgeon and a drive to play competitive sport again as well as encouragement from my wife, which was a key in a return to normality. Obviously, as most of you know the arrival of my two amazing boys came at this time and life's priority changed. 

I was however offered the opportunity to lead the 1st XI at my cricket club The Mote CC. Founded in 1857 the club is set in both counties, nationally and worldwide history as a club. The opportunity to add my name to the board was too good to turn down. 

As a club, we really are going places, with an incredible set up away from the pitch. Alongside this, we have an incredible colts section driving through the youth into the adult section. 

Our training facilities though are beyond a joke, and this is why I am backing this 163 challenge. 

We need to raise £40,000 for a new four-bay outdoor training facility. I know right what a joke of a price but that is what it is. I am therefore going to try to raise £163 by running 163 miles over 16 weeks. 

163 miles! I have just put that in Google Maps, and it takes you to Sheffield, Rotterdam, Taunton and somewhere random near Paris. Seriously I hate running, I really hope I start enjoying it because at the minute Mile 1 feels like I am going to die haha. But I am sure I am going to get better. Currently, I am at 155 miles to go.

So if you can spare a couple of quid I would really appreciate it, and you never know you could be part of creating the next great cricketer from Kent who goes on to win a World Cup. Stokes had to start somewhere eh. This club deserves to have training facilities befitting its stature, not its history.

Thanks, Guys

James

The Mote Cricket Club - 1st 1XI Captain