Dry January? Pah, I spit in your face. I will be going dry for 2023 (other than 23rd March and one other day, which is a wine tasting Christmas present from my mum).

Why am I putting myself through this I hear you ask. Well I am doing it in memory of my friend Alan Igglesden.

Alan was the Kent and England fast bowler that broke the world record for surviving a brain tumour from diagnosis to his untimely in November 2022. He fought and lasted for over 20 years. I would say he survived but he did so much more than survive, he lived life to the full and would not let the disease that is the biggest killer people under 40.

We have set up Iggy's FUNd in memory of Alan. When he first went to school, one day he came home from school very upset. When Trevor, Alan's dad, asked what was wrong, he said that a boy at school didn't like him. Trevor said to the 5 year old Alan "you can't be friends with everyone". Alan's reply was "Why not?" and he lived his life very much with this mantra.

The aim of the charity is to give those less fortunate the same opportunities that Alan had both in life and during his illness.

Alan started his cricket playing days at Westerham Cricket Club before being spotted by Kent and moving to Holmesdale Cricket Club. He spent many winters honing his bowling skills at Avondale Cricket Club in South Africa, even paying for one Kent youngster to join him.

In the latter part of his life, Alan underwent lots of treatment to reduce his tumour, which would eventually get the better of him. If we can raise enough to put a potential brain surgeon through university and eradicate this dreadful disease, that would be our ultimate goal.

Any contribution will help and may ultimately save lives.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this.

Paul (Fruitbat)