Rockinghorse bowled over by support from Sussex CCC

Sussex County Cricket Club celebrated its two-year partnership with Rockinghorse with the announcement that recent events at the club had raised more than £20,000 for the children's charity.

Rockinghorse is a Brighton-based charity that has been supporting children for more than 45 years and is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital.

Six recent "Where Cricket Meets'¦" events at The BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground have helped raise £20,785, which will go towards a MRI Scanner Compatible TV and DVD Unit.

The hospital is installing a third MRI scanning unit that works to its full potential only if the patient lays still. Therefore, the TV and DVD unit will be installed into the scanning unit so that it can be used as a distraction for the younger or more vulnerable patients who need these investigations as part of their treatment.

The aim is that this would then decrease the number of children who have to have more than one appointment due to bad screening or who have to re-book, because the child is too frightened to go into the machine.

Tony Cottey, Sussex's business relationship manager, said: 'During our partnership with Rockinghorse, we've been putting on events such as our 'Where Cricket Meets'¦' lunches.

'Our partnership has been fantastic and has raised £20,000 through our six events, which have seen sporting stars such as former Welsh rugby international Scott Quinnell and former England football star Matthew Le Tissier attend as special guests.

'The money has been raised via charity auctions and the popular pre-dinner '˜heads and tails' game over the past two years. The Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital is a fantastic hospital here in Brighton and such a great cause.'

Steve Magoffin, the Sussex bowler who was on hand to visit the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital for a special cheque presentation, said: 'As a player, I am delighted to be able to support the club and get involved in the events raising money for the Rockinghorse charity.

'The work they do here at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital is hugely important for families in the area with sick children.'

Analiese Doctrove, Rockinghorse's head of fundraising, said: 'We'd like to extend a huge thank you to Sussex County Cricket Club.

'Everyone who attended the events and made a donation has really helped to make a huge difference to the children of Sussex, and in particular the work of the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital.'