Annual Bursary unveiled at inaugural Matthew Hobden Trust Charity Ball

Almost 350 people attended the inaugural Matthew Hobden Trust Charity Ball at the Grand Hotel in Brighton on the evening of Saturday 22nd September.

The evening raised over eighty thousand pounds to support tomorrow’s cricketers. The generosity of those that attended and donated or purchased auction items will directly help to bring up-and-coming players to the attention of coaches and scouts, as well as assist under-funded teams to cover the costs of their equipment and coaching needs.

Luke Wright lends a hand during the auction

The Trust was set up by Matthew’s family in 2017 in Matthew’s memory with the aim of helping young, aspiring cricketers who would not otherwise have the opportunity to achieve their sporting goals.

Matthew was one of the most promising young fast-bowlers in the country who had already impressed with his performances for Sussex when he lost his life in a tragic accident in 2016.

Past and present Sussex players with Matthew's mum, Emma

A number of Matthew’s Sussex teammates, including Luke Wright, Stuart Whittingham, Delray Rawlins, Chris Nash and Will Beer, as well as Sussex Cricket chief executive, Rob Andrew were among the guests on Saturday night.

Jon Filby, a Sussex Cricket board member gave a speech at the event during which he unveiled plans for cooperation between the Matthew Hobden Trust and the Sussex Cricket Foundation, of which he is chairman.

Jon Filby unveils the cooperation between the MHT and SCF

Filby explained: “You only have to look at the current Sussex teams to see that we, at Sussex Cricket, are absolutely serious about supporting our local boys and girls to ensure that they have the best opportunity to “make it” and there can be no doubt that the Matthew Hobden Trust  exists, also, to do exactly this.

“For these reasons, we have agreed that we will work closely together in Matthew’s memory, starting tonight with the creation of an Annual Bursary to enable one young Sussex professional cricketer to participate in a Winter Overseas Development programme.

“Through the joint support of our charities, each winter one young cricketer will be able to focus both on their own development as cricketers and as people through coaching and working in schools and at local cricket clubs.

“Further shared projects will follow and we will keep you informed about these at future events of this type which we hope to plan and deliver together.”