Cricket star winds up for Sahara slog

Oct 18 2006 By Diane Parkes, Birmingham Mail

WARWICKSHIRE cricketer Dougie Brown is leaving his bat and ball behind and picking up his walking boots to trek across the Sahara.

The 36-year-old all-rounder from Rubery will be part of a group of 15 walkers covering an eight-day route through the desert in Morocco to raise money for Cure Leukaemia.

Dougie has been hard at work training for the trek, which he says is a major challenge.

"We are covering about 100 miles, and there is some really tough terrain. It can be 40C (104F) in the day and below freezing at night.

"I am trying to prepare! I did a half-marathon in Henley-on-Thames a couple of weeks ago and am planning to go walking in the Clent Hills or Lickey Hills.

"Last weekend a few of us joined Ian Botham on his cross-country walk for the 15 miles he was walking round Birmingham."

Former England one-day star Dougie said he vowed to raise money for Cure Leukaemia after working with the charity during Warwickshire teammate Ashley Giles's testimonial year.

"This is his chosen charity and we have met so many people involved in it who are so impressive," he said.

Cure Leukaemia supports the recently-opened Leukaemia Centre Project at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which is aiming to be a centre of excellence for patients receiving treatment for the condition and for research.

"The Professional Cricketers Association contributed to cover the cost of the trip so that everything I raise can go to the charity," Dougie said.

"I have been well supported by Snow and Rock, in Birmingham, which donated all the kit."

To sponsor Dougie, visit www.justgiving.com/dougiebrown

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