Peddling Priscott swaps the bat for the bike in charity challenge

Chance to Shine Operations Manager Stuart Priscott is aiming to become the oldest person with Cystic Fibrosis to cycle from John o’Groats to Land’s End, raising funds for Chance to Shine and for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Stuart sets off on Saturday 17 July and will cycle the route alongside Scott Chappell from the Somerset Cricket Foundation and Matt Theedom from Devon Cricket.

Stuart is a talented cricketer and, as well as a long playing career for Bath Cricket Club, spent a year on the books at the Somerset CCC. Whilst not making it as a professional, Stuart has spent his life working in cricket, including roles at Gloucestershire and Devon Cricket Boards. He joined Chance to Shine in 2005, not long after the charity was founded, and has worked in the Operations team, managing the delivery of programmes ever since. Stuart attributes much of his own personal development to playing cricket and is raising funds for Chance to Shine in order to help provide opportunities for young people to play, learn and develop through the game.

Stuart, alongside two of his three siblings, was born with Cystic Fibrosis – a disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits breathing capacity. At birth, life expectancy was limited to well below the 50 years that Stuart has celebrated this year. Drastic improvements in medication have allowed Stuart and his siblings to extend their lives and to improve their quality of life – however, they are in the minority, half of those with CF do not live past the age of 41.

Stuart’s sister Jo passed away in 2018 having lived with the condition for over 50 years. Inspired by her, Stuart is keen to raise funds in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a charity that funds lifesaving research and medication, and campaigns for a better life for those living with CF. Stuart believes that he will become the oldest person with CF to complete the 874 mile cycle from the top of the nation to the bottom – although if anyone is aware of anyone older, please get in touch as he’d appreciate any advice!

Stuart, Scott and Matt are aiming to raise £100,000, which will be split evenly between the two charities. So far they have raised over £75,000 of that target and have been generously supported along the way by stars like Mike Atherton and actors Anna Maxwell Martin from Line of Duty and Call the Midwife’s Jenny Agutter.

Speaking ahead of his mammoth charity challenge, Stuart said “In learning to live with CF I have realised it is not enough to be alive – life is for living and everyone needs a purpose. I was lucky from an early age that I found cricket as an outlet to stay active, meet people and develop friendships, and strive to achieve. My opportunities came through school and teachers who cared and a pathway into club cricket.

"At Chance to Shine, I see up close the positive impact sport can have on young people and the way it can be the spur to unlock potential.”

Scott Chappell and Matt Theedom, who will accompany Stuart on the entirety of the route, have worked alongside Stuart for many years in their roles in cricket development in the south west of England. Stuart will also be joined by colleagues and family members for stages of the 17 day cycle.

You can donate to support Stuart, Matt and Scott’s cycle here.

Stuart is also running an auction where items include: tickets to Test Match cricket between England and India this summer, a coaching masterclass with England’s Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole, a round of golf with Kris Akabussi and much more. Click here to bid.

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