CHARITY CRICKET MATCH AT CAYTHORPE CC

24-year-old Josh Mierkalns is a talented sportsman, who joined Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in 2006, spending two years as a professional cricketer following his rise through the Notts Academy, where he represented the county at every age group level. Although his first team opportunities were limited to a handful of appearances, he became an incredibly popular member of the staff and was in great demand to play as a 'pro' in club cricket when his Notts career came to an end.

Unfortunately for Josh, he suffered a severe intestinal illness during the winter of 2008. After being admitted to hospital, he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. In a dramatic turn of events, he lost two and a half stone in two weeks, and was forced to undergo an emergency life-saving operation to remove his colon.

Sporting an external colostomy bag, Josh battled to regain fitness, and signed for Caythorpe CC in 2009. Last winter, Josh's health declined once again despite further operations and his condition was complicated through an acute attack of gout.

The illness has meant that Josh is unable to work but his fighting qualities have come to the fore and he refuses to give up his ambitions of playing cricket for Caythorpe again this summer and still harbours a fierce motivation to play professional cricket once again. During his illness, he has received assistance from the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) Benevolent Fund, and the PCA have now joined forces with Caythorpe CC to organise a charity cricket match in his name.

On Sunday September 5, a star-studded PCA Masters team, which includes Nottinghamshire captain Chris Read, former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm and Australian David Hussey, will take on a Nottinghamshire Premier League All Star XI, in what promises to be an explosive Twenty20 encounter. The game starts at 3pm.

All proceeds are going towards a special fund for Josh - to nurse him back to health and support him to get the qualifications needed for the next stage in his life.

Latest Play-Cricket News

Wanstead win fourth title

Wanstead & Snaresbrook were crowned champions for a record fourth time after sweeping all before them at the NatWest U15 National Finals Day. The Essex-based club beat Yateley in a thrilling semi-f

> Read more >>

• Win tickets to see England play
• Stump sun damage with skin assessment
• Earn money for your club
• Fundraisers aim to raise thousands for clubs