Cricketing heroes Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss are among a number of sporting celebrities hoping to raise more than £60,000 at a star-studded ball in memory of tragic Tom Maynard.
Surrey cricketing star and England hopeful Tom died last year after he was electrocuted and hit by a train in Wimbledon, south-west London.
An inquest heard 23-year-old Tom was drunk and under the influence of drugs when he died.
Family and friends of the Welsh-born cricketer have announced plans to stage a ball in his memory with the proceeds going to potential sports stars of the future.
Brothers Adam and Darren Clayton, who attended Millfield School in Somerset with Tom, hope to raise £60,000 at the event which will be held at the Kia Oval in London.
Big names from the across the sporting world including Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss, and Gareth Edwards have confirmed they’ll attend the event on May 8.
The black tie ball is to be hosted by broadcaster John Inverdale, with other attendees including England cricket legend Darren Gough and former boxer Barry McGuigan.
Adam Clayton, who played rugby for the Cornish Pirates, said the event will help give another talented sports person the chance to go professional through a scholarship at Millfield.
It is all part of the Tom Maynard Trust, which hopes to raise £1 million over the next five years for disadvantaged cricketers and other sportspeople.
Adam, 25, said: “Darren and I were good friends with Tom and went to school with him at Millfield where we played rugby and cricket together.
“At the same time it’s a way of keeping Tom’s name alive. Tom was a larger than life character and was always great to be around.
“He was a natural sportsman and so talented. When he went onto the field he was determined to do his utmost.”
For more information visit: http://www.thetommaynardball.
