Young cricketer’s haircut nets £300 for charity

This young cricketer has had his long locks shorn to help out a worth charity in memory of a much-missed young sportsman.

Philadelphia Cricket Club player Chris McKnight, 15, was due to have his long hair cut and the perfect opportunity arose when committee member Ken Robinson asked if he’d do it to raise money for the Glenn Robinson Appeal, which supports the work of the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Ken’s son Glenn, a promising cricketer himself, tragically died aged just 16 in 1997 after contracting the disease.

Ever since Ken, who is now aged 70, has spent much of his time raising money towards research which will ensure that future generations are protected from the illness.

The current total since the fund-raising began now stands at an incredible £83,000.

Chris, who plays for Phili’s under 15 and under 18 sides, had his blonde hair cut at the club’s Bunker Hill clubhouse after raising hundreds of pounds in sponsorship.

Ken, of Newbottle, said: “This was actually Chris’s idea.

“He said his parents had been wanting him to get his hair cut for a long time so this has proved to be the ideal opportunity!

“I said to him that when he got round to it he could raise money for our charity and it’s look like he has managed to raise about £300 which is absolutely brilliant.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has donated. It means a lot to me.”

Money is still being collected in from the Philadelphia CC’s annual charity cricket match in memory of Glenn, which took place last month and was between the Philadelphia Indians and the Fence Houses Cowboys.

Another football talk-in aid of the appeal is due to be held later this year, details of which will be revealed in the Echo soon.