Devon Cricket's Alex Jopling to take on London Marathon in aid of Chance to Shine

Devon Cricket's Club and Programmes Manager, Alex Jopling, is set to take on the TCS London Marathon next month in aid of Chance to Shine.

Chance to Shine is a national charity that aims to give all children the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket. They help provide free cricket to children all over the country, particularly those who may not usually have the opportunity. We have seen first-hand in Devon the impact sessions have had on children and young people - developing physical, social and mental wellbeing skills, as well as their cricketing abilities.

You can learn more about the work Devon Cricket does with Chance to Shine on our website.

It is set to be a big challenge for Alex, as he has never run a full marathon before, with his only long-distance running experience coming in the Exeter Half Marathon in February.

"I have actually enjoyed the training process, particularly the routine and cathartic release of running," says Alex. "I had always thought I would like to give a marathon a go one day, so when the opportunity came to apply for a place through Chance to Shine and raise money for the charity it made complete sense."

Alex crosses the finish line of the Exeter Half Marathon 2023. Credit: Exeter City Community Trust.

As part of his entry into the TCS London Marathon, Alex aims to raise £2,500 for Chance to Shine and has recently passed the halfway mark. Fundraising efforts so far have included 6 nations and Cheltenham sweepstakes and a recent curry and quiz night at Exeter CC.

"The club were brilliant hosts and kindly gave me the facility at no cost enabling me to raise £600. Currently, I have an online prize draw going with some great prizes available; this closes on April 9 so there isn’t long left to enter! I also have an ongoing JustGiving page which will be open to donations until race day. Any donations will help the charity deliver cricket to over 500,000 children every year as well as getting me around the 26.2 miles!"

Alex says he has caught the running bug as he prepares for the latest major milestone of his pre-marathon training programme: "My latest plan is to do the Exmouth Park Run as Twinkle, the All Stars Mascot. Running 5km in the giant star is going to be pretty tough but, hopefully it will get a bit of attention and a few donations to the cause!"

Alex's online prize draw is set to close on April 9, with prizes including:

  • 4 x tickets to England Mens v Ireland ODI, Bristol
  • 4 x tickets to Somerset vs Surrey T20
  • Devon Distillery Gin School Voucher
  • £50 Amazon Gift Card
  • 2 x tickets to any Somerset CCC T20 match in 2023
  • 2 x Surrey T20 tickets (match TBC)
  • A day's guided fly or shore fishing in Devon/ Dorset
  • Cricket ball signed by Joe Root
  • Signed England Mens Cricket Bat (2020)
  • 2 x tickets to Plymouth Argyle vs Cambridge Utd (Saturday, April 22)
  • 1hr 1:1 cricket coaching
  • Peter Trego Somerset CCC Slipover
  • And more!