A CRICKET team made up of players with the same surname put bat to ball to raise money for a hospice.

At Ramsdell Cricket Club’s Cricket World Cup family day and charity fundraiser, the Lerigo Charity XI played to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice.

Organised by Mike Lerigo, the charity game between his family’s team against members of the Ramsdell Cricket Club was to support the charity which helps hundreds of people across Basingstoke and Deane.

In addition to the cricket, there were stalls, a raffle and a quiz in the evening plus, a players’ tea in the pavilion which raised £1,336.

Mike said: “A big thank you to all the family and friends, especially those who drove a 500-mile round trip to support us and raise funds for such a worthy cause.

“Thanks also to the White Hart, Charter Alley for hosting our quiz and to Elm Park Garden Centre, Colour Ink and the The Old House at Home in Overton for the raffle prizes.”

The event was supported by Mike’s employers at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), based in Tadley and Burghfield, which donated £500 towards the total through its charity fund.

Jackie Ridge, head of fundraising for St Michael’s Hospice, said: “We are so grateful to the cricket teams, to their friends and families and AWE for their amazing support.”

St Michael’s Hospice aims to enable anyone faced with a life-limiting illness, their families and carers, to attain the highest possible quality of life by providing a choice of specialist care and support.

Nick Parnell-Smith from Ramsdell Cricket Club added: “The hospice is a vital local charity and it is great that the cricket club can get involved to support the local the community in such a fun way.”