Ambassadors
We are absolutely delighted that Bob’s idol, Bob Dylan accepted our invitation to be Honorary Patron of the Fund:
“Bob Willis was a great sportsman who left too soon. I’m happy to help keep his flame and cause alive.”
Honorary Patron:
Bob Dylan
We’re also honoured to have Sir Tim Rice, a great friend of Bob’s, as our patron.
Remember more than wickets now he’s gone,
Or speed, or run-up of eccentric mode,
Beginning somewhere way beyond long on,
Emerging from a distant postal code.
Remember more than flying stumps and bails
That troubled every nation’s very best,
Gave him fame and all that that entails,
Deserved – but he stood taller than the rest.
We knew him as a cultured Bob, refined,
In thrall to Wagner, Dylan, white and red,
Laconic, warm and witty, spoke his mind.
Life’s verdict: he was true Renaissance bred.
It’s not a goose but eagle that we see,
Still soaring high with eight for 43.
Patron:
Sir Tim Rice
Our Ambassadors
Paul Allott
Former England and Lancashire CCC bowler, Lancashire CCC Director of Cricket and Sky Sports Broadcaster.
Michael Atherton OBE
Former England captain, Chief Cricket Correspondent for The Times and Sky Sports Broadcaster.
Samantha Bond
Actor of stage and screen best known for roles in James Bond and Downton Abbey. A member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Lord Sir Ian Botham
One of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. Now a member of the House of Lords and Chairman of Durham CCC.
Rod Bransgrove
Entrepreneur, cricket administrator and Chairman of Hampshire CCC.
Mike Brearley OBE
One of the great Test captains who famously inspired England’s fightback in the 1981 Ashes series.
Mark Butcher
Former Surrey and England batsman, now a successful musician and broadcaster.
David Gower OBE
Former England captain. Played 117 Tests for England. Successful TV presenter and commentator.
Michael Holding
Former West Indies cricketer, broadcaster and anti-racism campaigner who is regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.
John Lever MBE
Former Kent left-arm fast-medium bowler who played 21 Tests and 22 ODIs for England.
David 'Bumble' Lloyd
Former England and Lancashire batsman, umpire, England coach and much-loved broadcaster.
The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH
Former British Prime Minister and Life President of Surrey County Cricket Club.
Piers Morgan
Pioneering broadcaster, journalist, writer, and television personality.
Mark Nicholas
Former captain of Hampshire County Cricket Club, journalist, author and broadcaster.
Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent MBE
Former England cricketer now a radio and TV broadcaster and Director of Cricket at Surrey.
Ian Ward
Former Surrey and Sussex batsman who played 5 Tests for England. Now lead presenter on Sky Sports Cricket.