Two cricket enthusiasts have swapped their bats for bikes to embark on a 100 mile charity cycle.

Ian Bryce and Paul Reeve, members of the Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club, got involved with the challenge in aid of injured sportsman Paul English and in memory of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, who died at the end of November after being hit by a cricket ball.

The original motivation for the ride was Mr English, from Dersingham, a local footballer who suffered a broken leg while playing.

As a result, he will be unable to play for months, although operations and skin grafts mean that he is on his way to recovery.

But just days before the charity feat to Dersingham and back, they heard the news about Mr Hughes.

Mr Bryce, 33, and Mr Reeve, 44, said: 'The tragedy that befell Phil Hughes was particularly awful and head and brain injury is unfortunately something that appears to be something that is far too much of a regular occurrence in sports in this day and age.'

Mr Bryce said: 'Paul threw this idea at me late one evening via Facebook.

'He had volunteered us both to make the ride and I was more than happy to take part, but over the next few days I felt we could do even more.'

Mr Reeve added 'It was a bit of a crazy idea to volunteer a cycle ride to Dersingham and back when we hadn't ever ridden more than 34 miles in one hit.

'But in truth it was no real hardship considering it could easily have been either of us hit by a ball or injured making a tackle.'

They were supported by local businesses including Sportlink and Simply Airport Taxis of Norwich.

The Tas Valley duo donated part of the £400 raised to the local branch of Headway, a charity which supports those affected by a brain injury. Ian Johnson, a director of Headway said: 'Headway Norfolk and Waveney Ltd is the only charity that gives help and support to people affected by an acquired brain injury in our county.

'We are working in a very challenging environment with the current economic climate evidencing wholesale budget cuts from the public sector.

'So, whilst we are affiliated to Headway UK, as a small regional charity we are particularly grateful for any and all donations.'

Donations can still be made and more information on the ride and the charities involved is available via e-mail to cricket@htvcc.co.uk

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