A group of seven youngsters, who have all overcome significant challenges in their lives, have been given the surprise of a lifetime during a tour of Headingley cricket ground.
To mark the start of Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week today, they were surprised by England and Yorkshire star Jonny Bairstow, who took them through a coaching session at his home ground.
The group included 10-year-old Jack Buse, whose love of cricket helped him cope with his treatment for leukaemia and 11-year-old Shae Ligget, who turned his life and behaviour around through involvement in the sport.
All the children taking part were inspired to take up cricket through activities with national children’s charity Chance to Shine at school.
Yorkshire Tea works in partnership with the charity to inspire thousands of children through Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week.
Running from June 24 to June 28, National Cricket Week is a week of cricket-themed activities for schools and community groups across England and Wales.
This year over 1,500 schools will take part during what is a momentous summer of cricket in the UK.
Bairstow said England face some tough tests in their next World Cup matches against Australia, India and New Zealand but he believes that can go on to win the final and take that momentum into The Ashes.
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