Former Bath CC captain set to become oldest person with Cystic Fibrosis to tackle the UK’s greatest cycle challenge
27 June 2021
This July, former Bath CC captain Stuart Priscott will become the oldest person living with Cystic Fibrosis to complete the John O’ Groats to Lands End (JOGLE) bicycle challenge.
Setting off 11 days after turning 50, he and two friends – Matt Theedom and Scott Chappell – will cycle the gruelling 874 miles to Lands End in a bid to raise £50,000 on behalf of two charities: The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Chance to Shine, an organisation that promotes cricket in schools and communities.
The three cyclists, who all work within cricket in the south west of England, have come together to honour the memory of Stuart’s sister, Jo, another CF sufferer, who died in late 2018 aged 50.
Stuart, who joined Bath CC as a youngster in 1983, was a prolific all-rounder during his 26 seasons at North Parade. He captained the Club for two years (2000 and 2001), won the prestigious Nationwide Trophy for best player on two separate occasions (1997 and 2009) and was nominated to the Club’s Hall of Fame in 2013. He said:
“This is a challenge unthinkable for most of my life. Over the past 50 years I have benefitted from amazing medical research and discoveries, excellent health care from the NHS and supportive family and friends. I have experienced first-hand how new drugs and treatments can transform people’s lives.
“Jo was a kind, loving and inspirational sister and friend. As a family we were devastated by her death, which felt untimely so soon after a lung transplant she had waited so long for. It is the way in which she led her life with such passion and vigour that has driven me to take this challenge in my 50th year.
Explaining why he is raising money for the two charities, he continued:
“In learning to live with CF I have realised it is not enough to be alive – life is for living and everyone needs a purpose. I was lucky from an early age at Beechen Cliff School and Bath Cricket Club that I found cricket as an outlet to stay active, meet people and develop friendships, and strive to achieve. In my role at Chance to Shine, I see up close the positive impact sport can have on young people and the way it can be the spur to unlock potential.”
The JOGLE challenge is all the more remarkable for the fact that Stuart did not own a bike until his 49th birthday, when wanting to give himself the best chance of staying well during the Covid outbreak, he embarked on a new fitness regime. After a long career in cricket coaching and administration – which also included two years as a professional player with Somerset County Cricket Club – he is set to tackle the hardest physical challenge of his life.
Joining Stuart, Matt and Scott on the trip will be colleagues, family and friends from cricket, helping to raise money so others can benefit from both improved medicines and life-enhancing sporting opportunities.
To read Stuart’s story and to donate please visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartPriscott
For further information, please contact Neil Priscott on: neilpriscott@hotmail.com
*Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people across the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections and reduced lung function. Currently, half of those with CF will not live past age 41. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is fighting for a brighter future for people with CF and their families by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.
Chance to Shine is a national charity on a mission to spread the power of cricket throughout schools and communities. The charity takes cricket to new places and uses it to ignite new passions, teach vital skills, unite diverse groups, and educate young people from Cornwall to County Durham.
Since 2005, Chance to Shine has given over 5 million boys and girls in more than 10,000 state schools and community projects, the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket, improving their personal, social and mental well-being.
