By Martin Rowe

Fareham Heathens will be searching for a league double over Stoneham when the two sides meet this weekend.

The match in the Snows Group Hampshire Two sees the Heathens who lie in 10^th place travel to Stoneham who sit at the bottom of the table on two points and still yet to win this season.

The Heathens know they are expected to win but they must remain professional in their approach as they seek to make a late charge up the table.

Fareham lie seven points behind Alresford and Chineham and they know a win this weekend can close that gap to within touching distance.

This match is the penultimate match of the season with the Heathens travelling to Lymington in their final fixture.

This wekend’s game kicks off at 2.15pm.

A skipper from Titchfield is set to return to the seas for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Pete Stirling

Pete Stirling will enter this year’s challenge having raced as a skipper on board Jamaica Lightning Bolt in the Clipper 09-10 Race.

Despite missing out on a podium finish by just six points, Stirling has high hopes on achieving a top-three finish in the upcoming race.

“I had a fantastic time, learnt a lot and made some great friends, which is one reason why I want to do it again,” said the 47-year-old.

“During the Clipper 09-10 race, my crew and I never actually won an individual leg though we did get four second places and three third places and finished in fifth overall. This time I want to improve on our overall finish position and win a few of the individual races.”

The race will start this summer and the sailors return almost a year later after completing the 40,000 mile route, making it the world’s longest ocean race.

Stirling is one of 12 elite skippers selected to lead an entry in the ninth edition of the race. He and Gosport-based Gareth Glover will be returning for a second time, while Oliver Cotterell, from the Isle of Wight will be taking to the competition for the first time leading a team of non-professional sailors.

It was founded in 1996 by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail single-handed, non-stop around the world in 1968-69.

Race Skippers

“The standard of applicants for this race was high and the successful candidates have been through a rigorous and challenging selection process to get to this point. I am sure that they will relish the challenges to come,” said Sir Robin.

“I know that we have chosen an exceptional group of people to undertake the task of leading our crews around the world.

“This group of skippers can look forward to being the first to race on the new fleet of Clipper 70s, but the focus remains the same as in previous races with the emphasis on motivating the crew and maintaining their safety while remaining competitive in all conditions.”

A trustee of the Fareham Area Disability Forum fears some disabled users may miss out on payments following the introduction of the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Vince Barton is concerned that disabled people in the borough could lose out on benefits with the government phasing out the disability living allowance (DLA).

PIP will be based on an assessment of individual need and ability to carry out a range of key activities necessary to everyday life.

Mr Barton, who is a wheelchair user living in Locks Heath, said he did not agree with Minister for Disabled People Esther McVey that PIP would give “better targeted support” for disabled people.

“My worry is that the most vulnerable people could lose out,” he said. “Any change in the system that could end up with people losing out because of it is a problem. That’s the biggest issue I see.

“They say it’s better targeted but in essence it means they’re shaving off some of the people that used to have benefits.

“Some people could live on your own and not know anything about this or have anyone to help them through the changes. If the assessments are not done fairly they could be losing out.”

Mr Barton said the government was urging people to be in work rather than on benefits and to have a lifestyle that was affordable, but Mr Barton said that those who can work but cannot get a job, could miss out.

“That’s wonderful if those who can work can get a job,” he said. “If they can’t get a job the government is cutting down their benefits and their standards of living.

“All the government is doing is adversely affecting the area where they live. Most people on benefits don’t put it in an ISA, they spend it on food and gas bills in their local shops.”

Ms McVey said: “Disability Living Allowance is an outdated benefit introduced over 20 years ago and needs reform to better reflect today’s understanding of disability.

“At the moment the vast majority of claimants get the benefit for life without any systematic reassessments and around 50 per cent of decisions are made on the basis of the claim form alone – without any additional corroborating medical evidence.

“The Personal Independence Payment will include a new face-to-face assessment and regular reviews – something missing in the current system.  This will ensure the billions we spend give more targeted support to those who need it most.”

The introduction of PIP will be phased starting with the north of England. From June new claims will begin in the rest of the country.  Current DLA claimants will start to be re-assessed from October, but only if there is a change in circumstance or an existing award ends.

More than 200 people visited an event earlier this year organised by the Fareham Area Disability Forum, which gave advice on the benefit changes as well as other advice, such as social care and jobs. They plan to hold another event later this year.

Benefits claimants can view online if they will be affected by the changes at www.gov.uk/pip-checker.

A four-month project to install a new pedestrian crossing on the A27 at Park Gate is due to start next week.

Traffic flows from Southampton Road (A27) where the new toucan crossing will be developed

Hampshire County Council has already posted signs warning that roadworks are due to begin from April 15 as part of the £360,000 project to install a Toucan crossing between the Hunts Pond Road roundabout and the Telford Way junction as well as new cycle paths between there and Swanwick railway station.

There will be lane closures on the A27 and Botley Road at different times during the length of the project which is likely to lead to significant congestion at peak times.

The scheme, which is unlikely to be completed before August, runs alongside six months of roadworks on the M27 at junction nine that began last month. That work is the responsibility of the Highways Agency.

The crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, along with ancillary works to create more cycle routes and walkways along Botley Road, has been designed to improve access for people travelling between residential areas on the north side of the A27 and Park Gate Primary School on the south side.

When works take place in Botley Road, eastbound or westbound traffic will be diverted via Bridge Road and Station Road – or vice versa depending on which side of Botley Road is closed.

Residents opposed to the proposals raised concerns that it would risk more accidents for those getting across the A27 at the new crossing and then having to negotiate the very busy Hunts Pond Road where there is no crossing.

A 32-year-old man from Warsash was given a conditional discharge by magistrates for possessing a class A drug.

Richard James Horne, of Dibles Park in Dibles Road, pleaded guilty to having 80ml of methadone in his possession in Fareham on December 6 last year.

Portsmouth magistrates conditionally discharged Horne for 12 months and ordered that the 80ml of methadone should be forfeited and destroyed.

He also admitted a separate charge of stealing three tubes of toothpaste worth £8.25 from the Southern Co-Operative Ltd in Gosport on March 26.

Magistrates also discharged Horne conditionally for 12 months for that offence and ordered him to pay compensation of £8.25 and a victim surcharge of £15.

By Jenny Lingham-Doe

Warsash Horticultural Society will be holding its annual plant sale at the Victory Hall, on Warsash Road in May.

Stalls will be set up for visitors to purchase a selection of plants and seedlings including vegetables, herbs and a variety of shrubs at the sale which is scheduled for 10am on May 11. There will also be a cake stall.

After that the next group meeting will take place on May 29 in the Bartholomew Room of the Victory Hall starting at 7.30pm. There will be a discussion on “growing less common fruits” given by Peter Collett.

For more information contact Glenda Edmondson on 01489 573755.

Ladies have a chance to be pampered at Hampshire’s Autistic Society’s summer sparkle party.

The Whiteley-based charity is hosting an evening of fashion and pampering for ladies to get together and enjoy mini-makeovers, holistic therapists, jewellery, accessories, crafts, gifts and more.

There will be a fashion show and stalls for people to browse the latest fashion trends at the event in Grosvenor Casino in Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, for the event on June 5, from 7pm.

Tickets are £12.50 each, which includes a drink on arrival and a Clarins goody bag.

For more information contact 01489 880881 or find out more on their website www.has.org.uk.

By Jenny Lingham-Doe

A marina on the River Hamble is to hold an open day for everyone interested in finding out more about what goes on there.

Universal Marina, which is in Crableck Lane at Sarisbury Green, has planned the open day for May 4.

Land yachting, a sailing simulator and a campervan converted to a bar that will be playing music will all be on site for the day.

Lauren Reiske from the marina said: “The idea is to have a fun day and get more people to see the marina to see what we have going on. It should be really fun and it’s free.

“There is a serious side to the day concerning boat maintenance with the RNLI who will be here doing safety checks on life jackets for free.

“This day is for everyone to come and see the marina. We are off the beaten track, so it’ll be great for people with boats to see where we are and what we have here.”

The open day will run from 10am-5pm. For more details contact the marina on either 01489 574272 or email lauren@universalmarina.co.uk.

By Vince Attard

Disco Duck the dancing craze that’s sweeping toddlers ON to their feet is coming to Locks Heath.

Disco Duck, a song based dance group who are based all over the UK for children aged 18 months to four years old and for both girls and boys. Any person with a passion for dancing can buy a licence to start a group in their area.

Groups are at different times and days in the country but the new Locks Heath group that will be in Lockswood Community Centre will be on Saturdays at 10am starting on April 20.

Sessions will be £4.25 per session for half an hour and the children get to dance with a trained dancer.

The Disco Duck franchise was written and created by ISTD Fellow and Examiner Amanda Hughes in 2009. Amanda Hughes who is also a professional dancer, has been operating ‘Dance-Beat’ for over 20 years. Her work has included many choreography projects of syllabus creation. She has choreographed shows and worked with well known celebrities.

Upmarket supermarket chain Waitrose is interested in building a new food store in the Locks Heath Shopping Centre.

Locks Heath Shopping Village

Waitrose, which is part of John Lewis, has declared its interest by commenting on the proposals to redevelop land around the centre, including building a five-lane swimming pool and fitness centre.

The details of the responses to the consultation held late last year into the future development of the Locks Heath Centre is due to be discussed at a Fareham Council executive meeting tonight (April 15).

But Council Leader Cllr Sean Woodward confirmed that Waitrose was interested enough in the site to make a comment during the consultation.

The Co-operative is currently the only supermarket in Locks Heath and has about two-thirds left of a 99-year lease at the centre. Councillor Woodward said a number of major food retailers had shown interest, including Waitrose which had commented as part of the consultation process.

“So far as Waitrose is concerned, they’re one of the companies interested in coming,” he said. “They’re certainly interested I know that.

“I’m sure that if the Co-op didn’t up their game then there are a lot of people in the Western Wards who wouldn’t mind having Waitrose there. They’re obviously interested or else they wouldn’t have bothered to comment.”

However, any development on the site is thought to be at least two years away as a masterplan for the centre is developed as part of a wider Fareham Borough plan.

Cllr Woodward said it was unlikely there would be any development before 2015.

“Nobody is going to see any shops there for at least two years,” he said.

A report to tonight’s executive detailed comments made by residents and other companies interested in the redevelopment of the centre during the consultation. This included one proposal from a planning company to relocate the district centre to Segensworth.

The meeting is expected to provide a planning policy framework for the regeneration of the Locks Heath Centre.

It is likely that in the late spring or early summer the secretary of state will appoint an inspector to examine the plans in late autumn. The inspector will produce a report in early 2014, which could then be adopted by the council.

A 22-year-old man will stand trial charged with inciting a six-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity in Park Gate.

Steven Haslett, of Woodlands Way, Bursledon, pleaded not guilty to the offence, which is alleged to have occurred on August 29 last year, when he appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court today (April 15).

He was remanded on conditional bail until his trial, which is due to be held on July 15, and has been ordered by the court not to contact the boy or attend his address.

By Jenny Lingham-Doe

A vet is planning to open a practice in Whiteley.

Cara Golden has set up Whiteley Village Vets Ltd and applied for planning permission for two properties – one on Parkway and the other on Yew Tree Drive.

For the past 10 years Cara has worked at as a vet in Portsmouth.

“My partner and I both live in Hamble and for the past four to five years have considered opening a completely new veterinary branch closer to where we both live,” she said.

“We’re not intending this to be a basic vets, we are going straight to opening a practice that is up to date with all facilities, with separate cat and dog wards, two operating theatres, X-ray facilities and a general surgery.

“We’re spending a significant amount on this – the X-Ray machine alone is costing us £25,000.”

Fareham Borough Council has said Cara will be notified by the end of May about which property will receive approval for planning permission.

Cara said: “Preferably we’d like to open up on Parkway because it’s more central and has greater scope.  If we get planning permission for one we’ll go with that one, but if we get it for both we’re edging towards Parkway.

“If all goes to plan we’re hoping to be opening early July, depending on the amount of work needed to be done to the property. I believe that patients should come first and Whiteley is just screaming out for a veterinary practice.”

A list of the latest planning applications made to, and decisions made by, Fareham Borough Council.

Applications

Locks Heath

51 Locks Road, Locks Heath. Alterations to fenestration of building, erection of front entrance porch, replacement front boundary fence and alterations to car parking layout. Mr Oliver Thomson. Case Officer: Susannah Emery – P/13/0304/FP

37 Home Rule Road, Locks Heath. Erection of front side and roof extensions. Mrs Margaret Taylor. Case Officer: Susannah Emery – P/13/3012/FP

Sarisbury

Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve, Sopwith Way. Display of non-illuminated sign at the entrance of the reserve of Sopwith Way. Mrs Dawn Preston. Case Officer: Simon Thompson – P/13/0310/AD

Titchfield

37 East Street, Titchfield. Replacement window at first floor level in rear elevation. Mrs Josephine Bennett-Ward. Case Officer: Simon Thompson – P/13/0302/LB

5 Protea Gardens, Titchfield. Erection of rear conservatory. Mr and Mrs Mogridge. Case Officer: Emma Marks – P/13/03013/FP

Warsash

3 Warsash Road, Warsash. Display of three externally illuminated fascia signs, one projection sign, car park disclaimer notice on the rear elevation and three banner frames. Co-Operative Group Ltd.  Case Officer: Richard Wright – P/13/0303/AD

17 New Road, Warsash. Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extensions. Mr and Mrs S Fawcett. Case Officer: Emma Marks – P/13/0305/FP

Minafon, Brook Avenue. Demolition of the existing two storey 4 bedroom house, construction of a replacement two storey seven bedroom family home with landscaping and tennis court.  Mrs Carlina Lance. Case Officer: Richard Wright – P/13/0314/FP

The following applications close to Fareham’s Area are the subject of consultation with the Council as an adjoining authority. Follow progress on these applications on the relevant authority’s website.

Land adjacent to Greyhound Stadium, Target Road. Outline application for 5 dwellings (access and layout to be considered). Portsmouth City Council. Case Officer: Emma Marks - N/13/0002

Land adjacent to Tipner Lane And Range Green, Parcels Of Land (Ia And Ii). Outline application for 23 dwellings (access & layout to be considered). Portsmouth City Council. Case Officer: Emma Marks - N/13/0003

Decisions

Locks Heath

14 St Johns Road, Locks Heath. Ground floor and first floor rear extension. Mr D Colgan. Withdrawn – P/13/0121/FP

68 Heath Road, Locks Heath. Erection of first floor and single storey rear extension. Mr and Mrs Ricky Searle. Withdrawn – P/13/0132/FP

Park Gate

27 Winnards Park, Sarisbury Green. Erection of single/two storey side and rear extension. Mr and Mrs Darryl Saxton. Approve – P/13/0221/FP

Sarisbury

Brooklands House, Bridge Road. Replace existing coach house with new coach house and orangery (alternative to P/11/0446/FP). Mr Brian Caudwell. Approve – P/13/0101/FP

Brooklands House, Bridge Road. Replace existing coachhouse with new coach house and orangery (alternative to P/11/0450/LB). Mr Brian Caudwell. Approve – P/13/0102/LB

221 Swanwick Lane, Lower Swanwick. Erection of a pitched roof over the existing garage. Mr Ray Baldwin. Approve – P/13/0125/FP

259 Bridge Road, Swanwick. Building of a new double garage and store at the rear of the garden. Martin Fennell. Invalid – P/13/0171/LP

51-67 Dumas Drive, Whiteley. Carry out works to 1 no field maple covered by TPO 409. Mrs J Eckersley. Approve - P/13/0209/TO

Titchfield

3 Gracefields, 121 The Avenue. Carry out works to two sycamore and two lime trees covered by TPO 482. Mrs Rebecca Falstein. Approve – P/13/0218/TO

21 Frog Lane, Titchfield. Fell 1 no spruce and 1 no conifer hedge in Titchfield conservation area. Mrs Sherbourne. Approve - P/13/0234/TC

Titchfield Common

5 Streamleaze, Titchfield Common. Variation of condition 7 of FBC 7877/2 to allow conversion of integral garage to habitable room. Mr Derek Reid. Approve – P/13/0142/VC

Warsash

17 Havelock Road, Warsash. Erection of two storey rear extension and alterations to fenestration of existing dwelling including insertion of new first floor window in side elevation.  Mr F Da Silva. Approve – P/12/0982/FP

112 Osborne Road, Warsash. Reduce 1 holm oak to provide 3m above ground level reduce 2 lateral limbs on 1 holm oak remove lowest limbs on 3 scots pines to provide 6m clearance above ground level. Mr David Mitchard. Approve – P/13/0213/TO

A Warsash cyclist was a victim in a cycling event during which “mindless” vandals threw tacks in the road that threatened the safety of thousands of riders.

Keen cyclist Paul Clements lost control of his bike and collided into a bank during the two-day UK Cycling New Forest Spring Sportive event last weekend.

Vandals tried to scupper the amateur cycling tour, where thousands of people pedalled along a 50 mile or 80 mile route, by damaging signs directing the cyclists and throwing drawing pins and tacks on the road to puncture the riders’ tyres.

Marshals swept the tacks off the road in Boldre before riders cycled along the road. But some, including Mr Clements suffered punctures.

Fortunately it did not stop the 51-year-old from finishing the route and he was merely held up changing his tyre.

Mr Clements, a chimney sweep of Saxon Close, said: “When we arrived we were told that saboteurs had been taking signs down and that the organisers were having to paint directions on the road, they told us to be wary and make sure we had our maps on us.

“We didn’t think any more of it and didn’t expect to see any protestors.

“We started off in Tiptoe Hall, but only two miles from there I was going about 20mph round a corner when my back tyre went, I struggled to control it and ended up going into the bank.

“I looked at my tyre and saw that I’d picked up a drawing pin from somewhere I assumed from the hall we’d started in. It wasn’t until one of the organisers was doing a safety check said to me that protestors had been throwing these tacks in the road that I realised what had happened.

“They informed me they were in touch with the police. It was very dangerous because I was going at pace, it could have caused a nasty accident. Being a local guy it’s not what you would expect to happen at all.”

More than 1,000 direction and safety signs had been removed or thrown across the New Forest National Park, which meant organisers had to replace them before the 1,850 cyclists set off.

Martin Barden, director of UK Cycling, said there were no injuries to the cyclists but said the behaviour was “mindless”.

“There was an attempt – a failed attempt but still an attempt – to endanger the cyclists by putting tacks on the road which is obviously highly dangerous and in addition to that by removing all of our signage,” he said.

“It’s mindless vandalism. It destroyed our safety signage which cost £4,000. It was thrown into the bushes which is appalling in itself.

“The police are pursuing it and there are witnesses to the sign disruption.

“Despite what happened the event was a big success,” he said. “It didn’t cause disruption to the event. We had enough support from our safety marshals. We managed to put right the vandalism before the cyclists set off.

“It’s just a small minority who have taken this opportunity to vandalise this event. I think it’s appalling what they’ve done and it could’ve endangered lives. It didn’t affect our riders but did affect a local resident who was travelling to work.”

Heavy rain and waterlogging added to the organisers’ problems, forcing the second day to cancelled.

Locks Heath tightened their grip on this season’s Puma Engineering Hampshire League title with a convincing 4-0 win at Otterbourne last night.

The victory keeps them 14 points clear of AFC Stoneham and 21 points clear of Colden Common – although they have four and six games in hand respectively.

But games are running out and Locks Heath know that if they can win their final three games of the season – including the finale which is actually at Stoneham – they will win the title.

Stoneham and Colden Common still have to meet each other too – although that is likely to be well after the season has ended for Locks Heath on April 27.

Goals from Simon Jones, Ash Tattersall, Jordan Neal and Matt Rain made it a comfortable evening for Locks Heath last night.

By Rachael Fraser

After self-deprecatingly introducing his act, Andy Parsons more or less jumped into the spotlight at his stage show of his I’ve Got a Shed tour.

From the start it was obvious it was going to be a fun evening of comedy at The Kings Theatre.

Andy Parsons reveals life as a comedian during his stage performance

The Mock the Week star covered all bases from mocking himself and creating pictures of his accidental happenings, to his notorious style of political satire.

He kept the audience engaged by referring to earlier jokes and enthusiastically bounced and danced in different spots on the stage, which was a welcome surprise.

Some theatre-goers may have been confused by some topical references, including politicians turned celebrity reality show stars, but doing it with a hop and a skip in between, meant the audience could still laugh at his free flowing around the stage – a different kettle of fish to his more rigid television performances.

As promised he explored in some detail his fondness for his shed – a kind of sanctuary for his self-confessed lazy male form – giving us an insight into his non-stage life.

Most noteworthy were the stories of how he ended up naked at 4am in a hotel, the clumsy incident where he fell off a bus and his telephone argument with a banker. Simple comical stories of everyday encounters.

It was a great chance to see the Dorset-born Live at the Apollo star in action, who was clearly very comfortable on the Southsea stage, and gained a lot of respect from the audience with only one heckler shouting “you can carry on” at Andy after he briefly paused for breath. He dealt with it politely, as was expected.

Sadly not all the theatre seats were full, but Andy entertained the rest of us at ease from start to finish. For me the show seemed to go more quickly than expected. I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun.

Join former Southampton Football Club manager Lawrie McMenemy for a celebrity golf day raising funds for a Whiteley-based charity.

Lawrie McMenemy

Teams of three have been invited to play with McMenemy and his celebrity friends, including Matt Le Tissier, Paul Jones and Kevin Keegan, for a day on the East Horton Golf Centre course in Fair Oak, Eastleigh on May 8.

Lawrie is the official President of Fundraising for The Hampshire Autistic Society based at Solent Business Park and has been supporting the charity for several years.

The ninth annual golf day will raise much needed funds and awareness for the families affected by autism across Hampshire – where there are estimated to be 10,000 adults and 7,000 children with the condition.

The day will begin at 9.30am where golfers can enjoy a bacon sandwich and coffee on arrival before a Shot Gun Start at 11am.

After completing the 18 hole course, teams will be invited to meet in the bar for drinks before a three course prize giving dinner.

A team of three (or four ball if preferred) with a celebrity costs £385. There are also a number of sponsorship opportunities available.

To book a team contact Dawn Ingram on 01489 880881 ext 208 or email dawn.ingram@has.org.uk.

A teacher in Titchfield was delighted to be selected as a finalist for a top national teaching award.

Ruth Carty at Titchfield Primary School

Ruth Carty from Titchfield Primary School in Southampton Road has been chosen as one on a list of exceptional teachers who are the stars of education this year in the 2013 Pearson Teaching Awards.

The finalists will receive the results when they are announced by the awarding body on Thank a Teacher Day on May 17.

Pupils, parents and colleagues will gather at a school presentation for the result announcement and cheer for Ms Carty, who was overwhelmed by the nomination.

“My nomination as a regional finalist came as a complete surprise,” she said.

“I had received a ‘Thank you Teacher’ card but thought no more of it when I found just one single parent comment on the website.

“I had no idea there were so many people working away in secret on my behalf. I still can’t believe all the things they have said about me!

“The things I have done as a teacher have only been possible because of the people I have been lucky enough to work with.”

Ms Carty was one of 24,000 nominations for the teaching awards, which is celebrating 12 years of recognition for unsung heroes  – head teachers, teachers, teaching assistants and school teams – from across the UK.

Each winner will receive a Plato – the teaching awards trophy representing excellence in education. Distinctions and commendations will also be presented.

Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, president of the teaching awards said: “I am genuinely proud and honoured to be the president of the teaching awards. I owe so much of what I’ve done to my fantastic teachers at school and university and it is exciting to join in celebrating what is probably the most important profession of them all.”

Fareham MP Mark Hoban saw newsgathering at work when he called in at the Western Wards Gazette offices.

Mark Hoban talks to Rachael Fraser while visiting the Western Wards Gazette

Mr Hoban, who lives in Locks Heath, came to see the news desk in action in the Sarisbury Green office while telling reporter Rachael Fraser his latest diary plans for visiting schools and businesses across the Western Wards.

He took a look at the latest stories in the online newspaper and discussed what news was coming up in Park Gate, Locks Heath, Sarisbury, Titchfield Common, Warsash and Whiteley.

“I’m very impressed by the nerve-centre for the Western Wards Gazette,” he said. “The Western Wards Gazette is a really good idea to reach out to the local community.

“It helps to fill in a news gap, and keeps people informed of key events that are going on right in this community – such as the new roadworks about to start in Park Gate.

“It provides a perfect way for people to keep informed about what is going on in this area.”

A cricketer from Warsash running the London Marathon has been backed by Arsenal’s England international star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

James Hughes

The £800 donation from the footballer – a former school classmate – doubled James Hughes’ funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. What’s more the added gift aid meant the donation totalled £1,000.

The 20-year-old South East Hampshire Cricket Association U14 coach and a Sport Coaching student at Southampton Solent University is aiming to cross the finish line of the annual marathon on Sunday (April 21).

Initially James aimed to raise £500, but because of the messages of support and being overwhelmed by the increasing donations – including the huge sum from his former St John’s College classmate – it has spurred James on for the race.

“It was a big deal. It was very generous of him and I was a bit shocked, stunned and amazed by it,” said James. “He helped to double it. A big thank you to him.

“I was the kid at school who had to welcome him in when he was new. Ever since then we were good friends throughout St John’s College. We played football and cricket together. He was good at cricket too.

“We text now and then. I’m hoping when I finish uni this year it would be good to meet up again. But I’ve been busy and obviously he’s very busy too.”

As reported in The Gazette, James took on the challenge after being inspired by his father Bob, who completed 13 miles of the race before having to stop from the pain of a fractured ankle. James is also running in memory of his grandfather Wilfrid Potter, who died of cancer in 2003.

This year’s race is going to be a heart wrenching one for those who, like James, will be thinking of the hundreds that were injured and those killed during the bombing of the Boston marathon.

“I’m looking forward to the race,” added James. “I’m looking forward to getting through it and getting to 13 miles and hopefully doing another 13 on top of that.

“The organisers are giving out black ribbons to remember those in Boston and a lot of people running are even more determined now because of what happened in Boston.  I’m more determined.

James has been training hard for the event and hopes to achieve about four and a half hours. If he gets to meet cricket hero Andrew Strauss, who is running for charity, that would be a bonus, he said.

To sponsor James visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/JamesHughes93.