Big-hearted cricketers aim high for Paisley 10k

Big-hearted cricketers from a historic Paisley club are hoping to raise a massive £5000 for a local charity by entering a team into this year’s Paisley 10k Road Race.

Kelburne Cricket Club, who this year celebrate their 150th anniversary, are aiming to reach their impressive fundraising target in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice.

They are one of the many groups who have signed up to this year’s 10K and fun run as a team.

Kenny McLeod, Club President, said: “Our anniversary has meant that it’s been a superb year for us all round at the Club, and we decided to take this opportunity to make a big splash and do our bit for the local community, too – so to mark the occasion over 20 adults and children will take part in the 3K and 10K races, with the aim of raising much needed funds for St Vincent’s Hospice.
“Fundraising is in its early stages at the moment, but we’re hoping to raise £5,000 as this is the amount it takes to run the Hospice for just one day. It would be amazing to reach this target and really do something special for the charity, as we know that every penny counts to help them continue to provide such a fantastic service for the people of Renfrewshire.
“We’ve got some guys on the team who will most definitely complete the race in under an hour, and there will be a few of us who will be glad just to get to the finish line! We’re a competitive bunch, but our focus is really to raise as much as we can for those most in need.”
Stuart O’Connell, who has been a member of the Cricket Team at Kelburne for over 20 years, will be running the 10k with his son Jak O’Connell, who also plays at the club. Stuart commented:
“It will be a great event and is for such a good cause, so it’s brilliant that all of the team are in this together and we’ll hopefully all have our friends and families around for some moral support and to cheer us on on the day!”
The Paisley 10K Road Race, on Sunday 19 August, is one of the flattest, fastest and easiest courses on the 10K circuit, and is this year aiming to be the biggest in its 11-year history.

This year registration has been opened up to allow groups to register together and the Fun Run will see even more colourfully costumed runners take to the streets.

Councillor Susan McDonald, Renfrewshire Council’s sports champion, said: “The Paisley 10K is one of the town’s biggest events and Kelburne Cricket Club are a historic local sports club. I’m delighted that the club have entered a team into this year’s 10k and especially that they are doing it to raise funds such a worthy local charity.
“This is the first year you can enter the Paisley 10K as a group so it’s great to see clubs like this getting in on the act for a good cause. There’s still plenty of time to enter the 10K, whether you want to do it individually or with a group of friends, colleagues or teammates. Or if you don’t fancy taking on the 10K why not sign up as a group for the fun run and join the hundreds of runners who take to the streets in fancy dress.”
The Paisley 10k and fun run takes place on Sunday 19 August, starting in County Square, Paisley. To sign up log on to www.paisley10k.com.
Donations to the Kelburne Cricket Team can be made at
www.justgiving.com/kelburne150charityfundraiser

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X