'Worst thing I've gone through!' - Barry completes Lincoln 10K in full cricket gear in aid of club supporting men’s health
A founder of a Sleaford-based community cricket club dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and wellbeing has raised over £700 for the group – by running the Lincoln 10K – in full kit!
Barry Howorth is a founder of the Broken XI cricket club and ran the 6.2 mile route around Lincoln on Sunday (April 12) to help raise money for the club and enable members to participate.
The amateur sports team is far from just being about cricket. It supports those who are physically, mentally or emotionally damaged via the benefits of team sports.
He completed the Lincoln 10K in one hour, 35 mins and 21 secs, but said: “It was the worse thing physically and mentally I have gone through!”
Barry explained: “We aim for the club to be as accessible as possible, as someone’s financial position shouldn't impact their ability to get help or do something that can positively impact on their mental heath.
"We do however have costs like any other club and so this is a great way to help raise some funds, so we can continue to do what we are doing while staying true to our objective of being affordable for everyone.”
Barry pledged to run in full cricket gear including helmet, whites, pads, gloves and carry his bat!
He said he would be running in everything but a box. “I did try running in one for a distance but that was just a step to far,” he said.
He has also swapped his cricket shoes for running trainers, in “a rare moment of being sensible”.
However, despite completing it, he admits: “The pads, gloves and helmet was ok, but the bat was the worse bit. I was ready to throw it away around the 8km mark, but not only do I need it to play with but I don't think I had the physical strength to do it either.”
In preparation, he said he had been to the gym, and even did a few running sessions wearing the helmet..
"I am 39, overweight with bad knees and calves and hamstrings that shout at me if I even think of running..”
He admitted: “I am not a long distance runner - even when I was younger and slimmer, so doing it now is just insanity. But if it helps raise money for the club.”
Currently his total funds raised is on £755 but he will be keeping it open for donations for another week or so at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brokenxi