Posted: April 8 2025
ECB’s Official Men’s White Ball Charity Partnership
We are absolutely delighted to announce that The Bob Willis Fund has been named the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) Official Men’s White Ball Charity Partner for the next two years! This is a huge milestone in our mission to fight prostate cancer and we are very grateful to the ECB for their support.
This partnership builds on four successful years of collaboration, during which more than £1.5 million has been raised. An achievement made possible by the fantastic support of Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Sky Cricket and the incredible generosity of the cricketing community.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in England, yet there’s still no national screening programme. That’s why raising awareness along with funding research into earlier diagnosis is so crucial.
To kick off this exciting partnership, #BlueForBob Day will once again light up Edgbaston on Thursday 29th May, during the England vs West Indies One-Day International. This annual event has become a highlight of the cricket calendar, not only raising funds but also celebrating Bob’s remarkable legacy. It’s a day full of emotion and purpose, and we’d love for you to join us in turning Edgbaston Blue for Bob.
ECB Chair, Richard Thompson, shared his thoughts on the partnership:
“Bob Willis was a giant of the game, both in his playing days and beyond, and I felt fortunate to have known him in his retirement. The work of The Bob Willis Fund has already made a significant impact in the fight against prostate cancer, and we are proud to extend our partnership. Cricket is a game for all and has a unique ability to bring people together for a greater cause. We look forward to supporting The Bob Willis Fund’s mission over the next two years.”
Bob’s wife and Co-Founder of The Bob Willis Fund, Lauren, expressed what this partnership means to us:
“We are hugely grateful to the ECB for their continued support. The cricketing family has been incredible in helping us raise awareness of prostate cancer and fund crucial research. This unique partnership with the ECB, Sky, and Edgbaston saves lives. Men have been diagnosed earlier thanks to Bob, and his legacy now lives on in others. Blue For Bob Day at Edgbaston has become a powerful and emotional occasion.”
We’re so proud to have the support of our wonderful partners, Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Sky Cricket. Stuart Cain, CEO of Warwickshire CCC, said:
“Edgbaston is proud to host Blue For Bob Day once again and see this partnership with the ECB continue. We are delighted to support The Bob Willis Fund. Bob was one of our own, and this event is now an integral part of our summer, bringing the cricket community together to tackle the most common cancer in the UK. We encourage fans to wear blue, get involved, and help make a difference.”
Sky’s Director of Cricket, Bryan Henderson, echoed these sentiments:
“Sky Cricket is committed to using its platforms to highlight important issues, and the work of The Bob Willis Fund is incredibly important. Bob was the voice of cricket on Sky for 20 years, and we are proud to continue supporting this initiative. We look forward to another successful Blue For Bob Day at Edgbaston. Bob was a huge part of our team, loved by us all, and we miss him very much.”
England Cricket Managing Director, Rob Key, also shared his personal connection:
“Bob Willis was a true hero of the game and someone I always looked up to, both as a player and a person. I was lucky enough to call Bob a friend, and his passion for cricket was matched only by his determination to make a difference off the field. Supporting The Bob Willis Fund means a great deal to me personally, and Blue For Bob Day is a special way for us all to honour his legacy while helping to save lives.”
This partnership will see fundraising and awareness initiatives rolled out across England’s Men’s White Ball fixtures over the next two years. It’s a tremendous opportunity to continue making progress in the fight against prostate cancer and we’re so grateful for the support of the cricketing community.
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