Ex-cricketer walking 523 miles to raise money for charity
A former cricketer is lacing up for a journey that goes far beyond the pitch.
Olivia Robinson, a 36-year-old ex-Worcestershire County cricketer, is walking from Land's End to John O'Groats.
She is on a mission to raise £20,000 for the cricket charity Chance to Shine by visiting and playing at cricket clubs along the route.
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Ms Robinson will hit the halfway point on her journey while stopping to play cricket in Lancashire.
Ms Robinson began her walk on June 5 (Image: Supplied)
Ms Robinson, from Perth, Australia, said: "I've walked through six counties and stayed at 36 clubs, Ramsbottom will be number 37... that's my favourite number.
"And I've walked 523 miles so far."
As she travels, she is stopping at clubs to promote the sport to young people.
Her Lancashire stops this week include Springhead, Ramsbottom, and Burnley cricket clubs.
The walk is personal for Ms Robinson, who spent 10 years battling severe anorexia and mental health struggles.
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She credits the cricketing community and her love of art with helping her recover.
During her journey, she plans to reflect on her experiences and hopes to use what she learns to inspire others — while also painting scenes along the route.
Ms Robinson said: "All I have to worry about is putting one foot in front of the other, fuelling myself, staying safe and not getting lost.
"I'm looking forward to the simplicity of it all."
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She began her walk on June 5 and expects to arrive in John O'Groats at the end of August.
A spokesperson for Chance to Shine, said: "We're so grateful to Olivia for taking on a challenge to support the work of Chance to Shine, who deliver cricket to children and young people across the country, particularly in under-served areas.
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"The funds Liv raises will support the continued delivery of cricket for young people in schools and at our Street clubs.
"We help support the personal development of the approximately 600,000 young people we work with each year – promoting their mental, physical, and social wellbeing.
"Thanks to Liv's incredible challenge, more young people will benefit from the opportunities that playing cricket offers."
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