Women support cancer research

Wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor is delighted to be involved with Operation Hoodie

Buy this photo

The England women’s team helped raise awareness of cancer research by posing in their Operation Hoodies at Chesterfield after their NatWest women’s Series one-day international match was called off due to the inclement weather.

Operation Hoodie is a unique charity appeal aimed at raising awareness and essential funds for Cancer Research UK. The charity was formed in November 2007 and was inspired by the loss of a talented young cricketer, Lee Doughty to cancer at the age of just 24.

The specially-designed hoodies are sold for £20, with £6.50 from each sale going to Cancer Research UK.

Women’s cricketers across the country, including those from the England squad and the four Super 4s squads have purchased over 60 hoodies, thus donating more than £390 to Cancer Research UK.

Sarah Taylor, England’s wicketkeeper-batsman who recently became the fourth woman ever to score a century at Lord’s has become an Operation Hoodie sales representative.

She commented: “I was contacted because Operation Hoodie were keen to get a women’s cricketer on board and I jumped at the chance. It’s a great cause, one that’s close to my heart, and I’m really pleased to be involved.

England women model their Operation Hoodies at Chesterfield in aid of Cancer Research UK

“I first started at Super 4s and collected orders for hoodies and then took the money and passed it on. Since then the England girls have come on board and we’ve sold loads more. I’ve recently taken an order from the girls at junior Super 4s, so we’re spreading the word and helping to raise money for the charity.

“Through the two Australian girls who came over for the Super 4s this year I have managed to spread the word down under and taken about a dozen orders from players over there.

“I feel a huge honour to have been asked to get involved and am glad that I’m contributing to cancer research.”

To encourage the promotion of its product, Operation Hoodie encourages active involvement from the supporting public by encouraging all "hoodie-related" pictures to be sent to the charity for publication on its website (www.operationhoodie.co.uk).

Operation Hoodie is heavily influenced by supporters from the cricket world. In 2008, Operation Hoodie became an official charitable partnership with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, whilst in 2009 the charity aims to further establish its close relationship with cricket through the formation of a charity cricket team.

Visit www.operationhoodie.co.uk for further information.