For me, sport is the most wonderful thing - it brings joy, camaraderie, special memories, physical and mental health benefits, passion, excitement and teaches us how to react to victory and defeat.

I believe every child deserves the opportunity to embrace sport, but sadly opportunities aren't available to everybody, particularly in education where private schools hold a large advantage with regards to facilities over state schools.

This is where Chance to Shine comes in. The team there work in state schools and under-served communities across the country to deliver best-in-class cricket programmes to young people aged 5 to 24.

The charity wants them to learn a love of the game and to find a sense of belonging, developing their wider wellbeing and helping to fulfil their potential.

In Peterborough last year, Chance to Shine brought the joy of cricket to nine schools with 250 hours of coaching, inspiring more than 100 children in Years 3–6 through exciting competitions.

It also created opportunities for young people through a Street Youth Club programme - a combined investment of nearly £13,000 into the community.

Anyone who has seen Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams on the BBC would be able to witness the transformative effect cricket can have on a young person's life.

And as a lover of cricket, I am determined to make sure more young people get the chance to sample this wonderful sport, particularly in the Peterborough area where I live and where there are high levels of deprivation.

I hope you will support me in raising money for this excellent charity.