Neil Wedge

In October 2010 Neil helped to secure £400k of funding for a new cricket ground for Uppingham. The community came together for this project and once the building was completed the children and adults all pitched in with decorating and all the additional ground work needed for the opening in May 2011. The fund raising and hard work continues as Neil's next project is to attain the £50k required for practice nets.

I think Neil's nomination should be successful because community helpers are the unsung heroes and the backbone of our societies without the unpaid help and dedication of people like Neil these activities would not take place for the kids. Local sport is so important to the kids who will be our next generation, it teaches them communication, disciplines, patience the will to succeed balanced with how to accept defeat graciously and congratulate your opponents with dignity. All these skills are invaluable lessons in life to learn and take forward into adulthood without the kids realising, whilst enjoying the fun and exercise of the sport.

I think Neil and the team at Uppingham are truly inspiring rather than waiting for someone else to sort out their aged facilities they motivated the community to raise the funds themselves. This project will leave a legacy for future generations to benefit from, two high quality pitches and an awesome club house done to the ECB standards which will allow national matches to be played becoming a key venue for other clubs to use.