Vitality Blast Finals Day shone a light on the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, with former Kent and England star turned pundit Lydia Greenway showing her support and celebrating its commitment to both male and female professional players.  

As Hampshire Hawks claimed a first T20 trophy in 10 years, it was the Trust – the registered charity that supports members of the Professional Cricketers’ Association or their families when they are in need – that produced the most emotional stories of the day, including sharing how former Hampshire player David Griffiths donated a kidney to save the life of his sister. 

Another player to have received support from the Trust was Greenway’s former opponent Fi Morris of Western Storm. 

Morris is one of 67 professional women’s players in England and has spoken about the support the Trust gave to her as she battled mental health issues, which Greenway expressed her gratitude for.

“It doesn't matter what gender you are, we're all humans, we all go through the same thing, so I think the fact that that's now being recognised is brilliant,” the World Cup winner said.  

“Someone like Fi Morris has been great in speaking up through the challenges that she's had in being a professional cricketer, and some of the demands that it places on you.,   

“I think all the time that female players are getting that support and are also happy to talk about the challenges that we go through as well is also really important.”  

In 2021 alone, the Trust supported 106 individuals with mental health problems, taking the total since 2015 to 526. 

The assistance for current and former players in England and Wales is all-encompassing, whether it be for physical or mental needs including the provision of specialist equipment, funding operations or specialist wellbeing support. 

Sky highlighted various beneficiary stories including that of former England player and now journalist Steve James sharing the harrowing story of the death of his daughter Bethan, aged just 21.   

He and his family have been supported by the Professional Cricketers’ Trust with counselling as they come to terms with Bethan’s passing from sepsis in 2020.  

James was helped by the Trust after his retirement with the charity supporting players throughout their life, something Greenway believes is vital with the transition away from cricket often proving tricky.  

She added: “It's probably even more important when you stop playing the game. Obviously, when I retired, I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do to.   

“You don't know what's around the corner, you don't know what situation you could find yourself in and I guess the key thing is never taking for granted that the situations that you're in.  

“Because anyone can face some difficulties at any point in their life and that’s why the support of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust is so gratefully received.”   

The Professional Cricketers’ Trust provides vital support to past and present cricketers in England and Wales and their immediate families when in desperate need. The charity’s work is all encompassing, whether it be for unforeseen physical or mental needs.  Vitality Blast Finals Day is supporting the players’ charity - to find out more about the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, visit professionalcricketerstrust.org