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Chris and Stuart Broad 6 a side Tournament

Chris and Stuart Broad are organising a 6-a-side cricket tournament at Wellesbourne CC on Sunday July 18th in aid of Motor Neourone Disease research. Read on for the full story. 

Much has changed in the 23 years since Chris Broad was part of the last England team to win the Ashes in Australia. Twenty20 has reinvented stroke-play, run-rates have risen dramatically and another Broad - Chris' son Stuart - is now taking wickets and scoring runs for his country.

In the same time, though, there has been little progress in a cause that is closer to Chris' heart - the search for a cure for Motor Neurone Disease, a condition that weakens the nervous system.
Last May Chris' wife of eight years, Miche, was diagnosed with the most virulent strain of MND, which attacks her neck and throat; a year on she can only eat liquidised and soft food.

In an effort to help find a cure, Chris has turned his attention to fundraising - starting with the Chris and Stuart Broad MND 6-a-side cricket tournament at Wellesbourne CC in Warwickshire on July 18 - to which all spectators are welcome.

"Around 1,700 people are diagnosed with the disease in this country every year so it affects a large chunk of people," Chris explained. "We're trying to do our best to raise some money and help the Motor Neurone Disease fund research into a cure and undoubtedly they will find one at some point in time - unfortunately it might not be in time for my wife. But there are other people out there who are suffering and that's who we are trying to help."

Chris has put his career as an ICC match referee on hold to care for Miche, 60, who remains amazingly strong and positive in her outlook.
Her diagnosis came only months after Chris was caught up in a terrorist ambush on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, where he was acting as a match referee.

"These things do change your outlook on life - there's no doubt about it," he said. "We are always told to enjoy life to the full each day and that is where we are at the moment. You never know where you are so we go out and try to enjoy life as much as we can while we can."
The couple are about to embark on a dream whale-watching holiday in Alaska and Chris added: "My career is more or less on hold but I am pencilled in for Pakistan's series against Australia in July and other one-day matches that are local to me in the UK.
"The ICC have been fantastic towards me in this respect. Vincent van der Bijl, my line manager if you like, and [ICC general manager] David Richardson have been nothing but gracious in all that they've done and I thank them dearly for allowing me to spend this time with my wife."

Now Chris and Miche - and thousands more in their position - hope that decisive research can break the MND stalemate.
Chris & Stuart’s 6-a-side tournament will unite International cricketing legends past and present as they compete in the teams and join VIP guests for lunch. As well as watching the Internationals in action, the day offers a fantastic array of activities. From a bouncy castle and helicopter rides, to net sessions with the sporting heroes themselves, there is something for everyone.
Whether you dine at the VIP lunch, bring a picnic or indulge in the culinary delights available from Indian, to a hog roast, a BBQ or baguette, just be sure to bring family friends and have a fantastic day out.

To get your ticket and find out more please visit www.MNDCricket2010.org or call Hannah Male on 01275 335911.