11 Jul 2025

Chamber team takes part in cricket match to support cancer charity

Chamber-cricket.jpg

Chamber staff and members once again donned their cricket whites for a charity match to raise funds for the Cancer Support Centre.

The match – in which Team Chamber defeated hosts Sutton Coldfield CC on the last ball – raised £743.50 for the Cancer Support Centre, which is the chosen charity of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce.

Led by outgoing Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber president Naeem Arif, the Chamber team featured head of communications Dan Harrison, head of commercial development David Woakes, media and communications officer Feron Jayawardene, Andy Dawson from Chamber patron Curium Solutions and young players from Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School.

A raffle and BBQ were held as part of the event, contributing to the funds raised to help local people affected by cancer.

The coin toss was overseen by mayor of Sutton Coldfield Cllr Cindy Yip.

Brian Davies, fundraising officer for the Cancer Support Centre and a Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber committee member, said: “We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the cricket game last weekend.

“It was a huge effort from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce staff, members and their families, as well as Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club.

“A special mention must go to Naeem Arif, who not only organised the day, and the Chamber team, but organised for his family members to run a BBQ with food that they had purchased for the event. A true, family effort from the Arifs!

“It was therefore fitting for Naeem to hit the winning runs with the final ball of the match, to help the Chamber team avenge last year’s defeat to the hosts.”

Naeem added: “In my last formal event as president, I was really pleased to deliver the charity cricket match and BBQ - ticking many boxes for our objectives at the Chamber in supporting our Charity of the Year and also engaging with the local community.

“We know events like this will help drive awareness for the Cancer Support Centre, so whilst we have raised some money, they will also be creating future relationships for the charity.

“These events also allowed many Chamber members to network informally with local businesses.” 

Find out more information about the Cancer Support Centre.

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