Theedom and Chappell join former colleague Priscott for third charity bike ride from John O'Groats to Land's End

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

LAND'S End to John O’Groats cycle veterans Matt Theedom and Scott Chappell are digging out the Lycra and pumping up their tyres for a third charity ride from one end of the country to the other.

The two cricketers – Theedom plays for Sandford, Chappell plays for and is chairman of Kentisbeare – have signed up to ride alongside friend Stuart Priscott as he attempts to raise £50,000 in sponsorship by completing the 874-mile ride.

All three friends used to work for the Devon Cricket Board, but two of them have moved on. While Theedom remains in post as managing director of Devon Cricket, Chapple is the youth development manager for the Somerset Cricket Board and Priscott works in Bristol for the Chance to Shine cricket charity.

Priscott, who will be 50 when the ride takes place in July, is aiming to become the oldest person who lives with the condition cystic fibrosis to complete the John O’ Groats to Land's End (JOGLE) bicycle challenge.

The charities Priscott wants to help are the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Chance to Shine, an organisation that promotes cricket in schools and communities.  

The three cyclists have come together to honour the memory of Stuart’s late sister, Jo, another cystic fibrosis sufferer, who died in late 2018 aged 50. 

Cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections and reduced lung function. Half of those who have it die by the time the reach 41.

“Jo was a kind, loving and inspirational sister and friend,” said Priscott. “As a family we were devastated by her death, which felt untimely so soon after a lung transplant she had waited so long for. 

“It is the way in which she led her life with such passion and vigour that has driven me to take this challenge in my 50th year.”

Priscott has enjoyed a full sporting life despite the condition as a cricketer with Somerset, Devon. Wiltshire and the Gloucestershire Cricket Board, and won Devon Premier League titles with Sandford in 2003 and 2004.

Now he wants to do something to help others who have not had the same sort of opportunities.

“Over the past 50 years I have benefited from amazing medical research and discoveries, excellent health care from the NHS and supportive family and friends and have experienced first-hand how new drugs and treatments can transform people’s lives,” said Priscott.

“In learning to live with CF I have realised it is not enough to be alive – life is for living and everyone needs a purpose. 

“I was lucky from an early age that I found cricket as an outlet to stay active, meet people and develop friendships, and strive to achieve.  

“In my role at Chance to Shine, I see up close the positive impact sport can have on young people and the way it can be the spur to unlock potential.”

Priscott only acquired a pushbike last year as a way of staying fit during the Covid outbreak.

Chappell and Theedom are hold hands at the JOGLE, which they conquered in 2014 and again in 2017 on behalf of Cancer UK and the David Shepherd Cricket Trust.

Theedom said he is looking forward to helping his friend get through the 12-day endurance test that is the JOGLE.

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Stuart for 17 years and I’ve seen the numerous challenges he’s had to face over that time,” said Theedom.

“I could never have imagined I would have the chance to undertake such an epic physical challenge with him; he is an inspiration to me and his story is incredible.

“We hope to raise as much as possible for two amazing charities.”

To read Stuart Priscott’s story and to donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartPriscott