We are a four-strong team of cricket dads (James Barrett, Matt Ruff, David Moore and David's son Aidan) who are embarking on a long-distance sponsored cycle ride to raise funds for the twin causes of Bedford Cricket Club and the Ruth Strauss Foundation.

'Pedal down to Puddletown' will take us from Bedford Cricket Club to Puddletown Cricket Club in Dorset (where James' brother-in-law Pete Phillips is a member and promises us a warm reception!) -almost 160 miles and with a climb of more than 2000m (for context; Ben Nevis stands at 1345m!). We will complete the route over 2 days from 26th-27th June 2026.

Bedford Cricket Club has well-established fundraising links with the Ruth Strauss Foundation, which was set up in memory of the late Ruth Strauss, wife of former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss. It has 2 primary goals:

Provide emotional support for families to prepare for the death of a parent.

Raise awareness of, and fund research for, the fight against non-smoking lung cancers.

In 2025, the club contributed towards the Foundation's training programme for school staff in supporting children facing bereavement.

Funds raised by this event will be evenly split between this amazing charity and the cricket club, with a view to upgrading our clubhouse facilities to make it a more welcoming and comfortable space which can be functional year-round.

We would greatly appreciate your support and sponsorship of this event. Please give generously to motivate 3 middle-aged men (and a fitter 16 year-old) to conquer the hills of the South West. Thanks also to our much-needed support van driver Andy Commons.