WITH the second Ashes test underway a former England cricket captain has given his backing to a South West charity's Christmas fundraising efforts.
David Gower is urging people to support CHICKS campaign to offer Christmas breaks to disadvantaged children from across Cornwall, Devon and the rest of the country at its retreats in Cornwall and Devon.
David, who is a patron of the charity, said: "In amongst all the causes that will touch people's hearts it would be great for them to think of the kids to whom CHICKS reaches out.
"We all hope that Christmas will be a special time for us all and for these children a Christmas at the CHICKS retreats will be incredibly special.
"When I was introduced to CHICKS and first told about the principle of the charity it immediately struck me as a brilliant concept."
The breaks will run from December 23 to 27 and will give the children, many of whom have never experienced a traditional Christmas, a range of activities including a trip to the pantomime, ice skating and a visit from Father Christmas.
They will be held at the charity's coastal retreat at Tywardreath in Cornwall and at the moorland retreat in Brentor in Devon.
David will spend Christmas in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and daughters before hosting Sky Sport's coverage of the start of the fourth Ashes test at the MCG on Boxing Day.
David added: "My message for the children at CHICKS this Christmas is to enjoy every moment. Treasure the memories and learn to love and respect the countryside while you are there."
The children suffer from a range of issues such as poverty, neglect and caring responsibilities, which mean they will be unable to spend a traditional Christmas at home.
CHICKS' head of fundraising and communications, Tim Bunting, said: "We're so pleased to have David as one of our patrons and for him to take time out of his busy Ashes schedule to support our Christmas campaign."
To support the CHICKS at Christmas Appeal which will fund these Christmas breaks as well as other breaks next year please make a donation over the phone by calling 01822 811020 or online at www.chicks.org.uk. You can also send a donation to: 'CHICKS at Christmas Appeal", CHICKS Coastal Retreat, Barn Park Farm, Tywardreath, Par, Cornwall, PL24 2QN.
