Peppered amongst fun and lively banter, brave, bold and uncensored conversations from the men of Somerset will be ringing out across Taunton this June. In the

Far from your usual fundraising event, The Big Somerset Cricket Bash, is a 10k charity walk fuelled by bacon sarnies, taking in the sights of Taunton leading to The Cooper Associates County Ground, where participants have free entry to cheer on Somerset County Cricket Club as they take on Nottinghamshire on the first day of the County Championship match. Throughout the day men and women will be coming together to share precious memories of family and friends who have died. They will talk openly about their feelings and the realities of losing a loved one, the bereavement and grief that follows, as well as learning to adapt to a new way of life.

Ellie Weston, Marketing and Events Officer at St Margaret's said, "It's well recognised that many struggle to talk about their feelings. In addition to the services offered by our Bereavement Support Team, we wanted to provide an outlet for men and empower them to come together and talk openly". Ellie continued, "to be able to provide a safe environment for conversations to happen, free from embarrassment and amongst those who have gone through a similar experience, can be really cathartic for many."

The BIG Somerset Cricket Bash

St Margaret's supporter and cricket fan Andy Kennedy knows only too well how positive it can be to talk feelings through following the loss of someone. In 2017, Andy's wife, Tanya was referred to the hospice following her terminal cancer prognosis. Over the past two years Andy has had over 20 counselling sessions with the hospice's Bereavement Team, saying they "kept me buoyant and helped me to function in what was one of the most difficult times in my life."

The Big Somerset Cricket Bash is so important for the local community, as well as raising much needed funds for the charity. It's a rare opportunity to find a social setting where people can talk freely about their loss, grief, and feelings.

Somerset county town's most prestigious sporting venue is thrilled to be supporting St Margaret's Hospice in this exciting new event raising funds for hospice care across Somerset.

Gordon Hollins, Chief Executive of Somerset County Cricket Club said, "We're delighted to partner with St Margaret's Hospice on this event. Men's mental health is becoming an increasingly common topic of conversation in cricket so to be working with a charity that does such outstanding work in the community we serve, is a real privilege. We're delighted to be at the forefront providing the venue for what we hope is the first of many such fundraising events to come."

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Entry to The Big Somerset Cricket Bash on the June 25, 2023 costs £25 for adults and £20 for children and this year's event is being generously sponsored by Rotec Hydraulics.

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics, said: "It is our great pleasure tosupport St Margaret's Hospice Care by sponsoring The Big Somerset Cricket Bash. The vital work they do to help patients with life-limiting illnesses, together with their families and carers is remarkable."

St Margaret's supports families and carers of loved ones who are facing a life-limiting illness through bereavement support and counselling groups. £38 could pay for a counselling session with our Bereavement Team who support people like Andy.

Men, women and children are welcome, but tickets are limited and are on a first come first serve basis, early booking is recommended as we anticipate a sell-out event. Your ticket includes free entry to the game, a hot and tasty bacon roll and a bespoke t-shirt to wear on the walk and as a memento of the day.

For more information or to buy tickets for The Big Somerset Cricket Bash visit www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/big-somerset-cricket-bash