SOMERSET cricketers Tom Abell, Ben Green and Roelof van der Merwe paid a visit to St Margaret’s Hospice on Tuesday (June 12).
A day centre attendee, Patricia Rimmer, expressed her joy over meeting the ‘lovely’ players, saying: “It was so wonderful to meet them. I always enjoy my visits to the Sunflower Centre, but meeting the cricketers really made the day for all of us.”
The top cricketers spent time engaging with patients by having photographs taken, signing autographs and enjoying conversations with those eager to meet their cricketing heroes.
They also toured the hospice, learning about the extensive care provided to individuals in Somerset to live well and die well.
Their visit concluded in the Sunflower Centre, which provides specialist support and advice for patients with life-limiting illness or advanced progressive conditions.
The service is for individuals who are well enough to remain at home but need to access the specialist support that St Margaret’s can offer.
The holistic approach of the team at St Margaret’s Hospice addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients, helping them develop coping strategies, maximise independence, and enhance their quality of life.
Somerset County Cricket Club is also backing the hospice’s upcoming fundraising event, The Big Somerset Cricket Bash, on June 30.
Abell spoke about his visit to the hospice, saying: “Seeing the incredible care that is given by St Margaret’s is humbling and makes me proud to say that the county cricket team are supporting such a worthwhile cause.
“We really hope you’ll join us at the Big Somerset Cricket Bash.”
The activity-packed day will commence at the Taunton hospice, where participants will enjoy a bacon sandwich or a vegetarian alternative and receive an official event t-shirt.
They will then embark on a scenic 5km walk to the Cooper Associates County Ground, honouring loved ones or simply enjoying time with friends.
Upon arrival at the cricket ground, participants will receive a complimentary pint of cider or non-alcoholic beverage before taking their seats for the 11am toss.
The Somerset team will face off against the Warwickshire Bears in the County Championship, with a full day of entertainment, food, and drink planned.
Tickets are still available at just £35 for adults and £20 for children and can be purchased through the hospice’s website: www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/cricketbash.
For every £65 raised through the bash, one patient could attend the day hospice in St Margaret’s Sunflower Centre for one day.
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