Top jockey helps children’s hospice

Top jump jockey Richard Johnson will join a host of other sportingcelebrities taking part in a charity cricket match in Wyeside this weekend to raise funds from a new hospice for children from Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup victor, who has ridden more than 1,000 winners over fences, will be playing for his old school, Hereford Cathedral, against a team representing Acorns Children’s hospice.

Richard will be facing former test cricketers Derek Randall, a brilliant fielder who scored seven centuries for England, and Yorkshire fast bowler Chris Old, who was Wisden cricketer of the year in 1979.

Other sports stars taking part include international rugby union referee Chris White and former West Ham and Hereford United footballer Dudley Tyler, who played in Hereford’s famous win over Newcastle United in the FA Cup in 1971.

Coronation Street’s Jim McDonald – Charles Lawson in real life – has been released from TV prison to appear at the charity match and several other actors fromthe soap may also be fielded on the day.

The match will be played on Sunday 11 May, 12pm-6pm, and will also involve a girls cricket tournament between nine local schools.

Headmaster of Hereford Cathedral School, Tim Lowe, said: “We are delighted that so many sporting legends will be able to join us.

“It promises to be a great family day out in support of this very worthwhile children’s charity and their fundraising appeal to build a new hospice for local children and families in the three counties.”

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