Three top local cricketers have committed to climbing Mont Blanc in the first of a series of annual fundraising challenges that the local team will be undertaking.

Captain Jamie Nussbaumer, plus team mates Tim Ravenscroft and David Hooper, will be spending six days climbing Grand Paradiso this September, a 4,061m peak, before tackling 4,807m Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. 

The GCB Players Development Programme Fund are one of the beneficiaries of the fundraising and will use their share to give financial support to young cricketers.

Mark Latter, GCB chief executive, said: ‘The national squad is fortunate to have played cricket in Malaysia, Singapore and across Europe and this initiative allows them to give something back to those embarking on their own cricket journey as well as raising money for two fantastic charities.’

‘When we first had the idea of an annual fundraiser, we thought it would start in a small way such as a car wash but the players have been really enthusiastic and keen to take on challenges that require dedication and determination. Jamie, Tim and David will be setting the bar high for their team mates and hopefully that means we can raise even more money.’

Beneficiary Only Fools and Donkeys, selected by GCB cricket partner Ravenscroft, plans to use the money raised to buy sports and activity equipment for Le Murier School, which they have supported for four years.

Charlie Roger, chief executive officer, Channel Islands for Ravenscroft said: 'Ravenscroft has been a long-standing supporter of GCB as we recognise the enormous benefits it brings to so many players. This is a brilliant idea and it’s testament to the attitude of the players that they don’t take their position in the island team for granted and want to ensure others have the same opportunity. Having Only Fools and Donkeys, which has already raised so much through sporting challenges, as a beneficiary is a natural fit and we know that the new equipment will enable children at Le Murier to take on their own sporting challenges.’

Charity Male Uprising Guernsey is the remaining beneficiary and their chairman Trevor Kelham said: ‘MUG’s three year commitment to financially support Guernsey’s first male cancer specialist nurse means that every penny counts and we are so pleased to be chosen by Guernsey Cricket Board to benefit from this extraordinary challenge. This specialist nurse helps male urological patients who are undergoing treatment for bladder, prostate and kidney cancers and provides support through the diagnosis, treatment and recovery stages of their cancer care and so it’s a service which is making a big difference to patients locally.’

Before Jamie, Tim and David head to France to begin their challenge the whole Guernsey team will be undertaking a step challenge on Saturday 29th August from 9.00am until noon in Town to start the fundraising efforts and raise awareness of the initiative. On treadmills donated by My Fitness where Mr Ravenscroft works, the team will walk the equivalent number of steps needed to reach the top of Mont Blanc. 

Jamie Nussbaumer commented: ‘I have been fortunate enough to make some great friends and have some once in a lifetime experiences through playing cricket. I feel that it is our duty as current island cricketers to ensure that future generations are able to benefit in the same way that I have. Unfortunately, not all are as fortunate as ourselves, and that is why we will be working especially hard to raise funds for MUG and Only Fools and Donkeys so others can also prosper.’

The national squad will wear specially designed Mont Blanc Challenge t-shirts at the inter-insular at Port Soif on 22nd August and will travel in them to Essex for ICC World Cricket League 6 in September. The t-shirts will also be available to buy at KGV and Fletcher Sports.

Check the latest news on the challenge
and make a donation online at www.guernseycricket.com

Donations can also be sent to:
GCB Office, KGV Playing Fields, Rue Cohu, Castel, GY5 7SZ.