On Wednesday 24 April 2024 Sky Sports cricket commentator and former England Captain, Nasser Hussain OBE, joined an audience of over 400 fans at Churcher’s College to share his experiences, wisdom and anecdotes, to raise funds for local charity, Maddy’s Mark. Nasser arrived early to watch the First XI play against a visiting MCC team, and then he led a coaching session for the under-12s, sharing skills and advice with Churcher's girls and boys, undoubtedly inspired by the pugnacious right-handed batsman.

The main evening event, hosted by local cricket buff Clive Shore, enabled guests of all ages to enjoy tales from a cricketing legend who scored over 30,000 runs from more than 650 matches, including 62 centuries. The England Captain from 1999 to 2003, was generous, amusing and humble in his views as he answered a huge range of questions from the audience, young and old, covering everything from his fiercest opponents to favourite grounds and how he felt when scoring his test match record of 207 runs.

The event concluded with a lively auction, hosted by TV auctioneer Jonathan Pratt, during which guests could bid for unique sporting memorabilia, including the top prize of being guests of Nasser at Lord’s to watch the England men’s team vs Sri Lanka, tickets to the Utilita Bowl Blast matches, personalised and signed items including shirts, bats and balls and some surprise gifts from the MCC. In homage to the rugby heart of Maddy’s Mark, there was also a rugby shirt and ball signed by Steve Borthwick, England Rugby coach and the 2024 England Six Nations squad. Jonathan Pratt ensured the auction was fun, fast-paced and furious as the audience enjoyed his entertaining skills on display.

With money still being donated, the event is on course to have raised £10,000 for Maddy’s Mark, a charity established in memory of Old Churcherian, Maddy Lawrence, by her family.

Karen and Simon Lawrence, Maddy’s parents, said: “Thank you to everyone who attended our Maddy’s Mark fundraising evening at Churcher’s College.

“Our special thanks to Nasser Hussain for an extremely entertaining and informative interview, to auctioneer Jonathan Pratt, and host Clive Shore, and also to everyone who generously donated the incredible auction lots for the evening. Thank you, also, to Churcher’s for their help in putting the event together.

“For those who didn’t know our daughter Maddy, she was brave and bold, she showed huge resilience, kindness and empathy. The impact she had on those who knew her in her short life was profound, and continues to be. This charity is our way of ensuring her legacy continues.

“Maddy’s Mark launched just over 18 months ago and although it is still in its infancy, with the help of incredible supporters like you, we have already made a huge impact. Through our partnerships with various rugby clubs and schools, we have introduced over 2000 girls and young women to rugby and the wonderfully welcoming community in which Maddy found so much joy.

“The Rugby family is like no other, and just as Maddy would have done, we strive to make sure that other young women can enjoy the positive mental and physical benefits of belonging to a team that makes you feel accepted, welcome, and completely at home.

We want to reach many more girls and women, promoting physical and mental health to as many as we can, at a time when the importance and need for both has never been more urgently felt.”

To donate to Maddy’s Mark, please visit their website: https://www.maddysmark.com.