It’s not just on the cricket field that Nottinghamshire captain Chris Read is preparing for a new challenge.

The 29-year-old is currently in training to run the New York Marathon in November with his wife Louise, in aid of Bowel Cancer UK.

It’s all in memory of the man who first introduced him to cricket back in Devon and Read explained: “My first cricket coach from Paignton, Trevor Ward, died last year from bowel cancer.

“Trevor was a wonderful man and he and his family became great friends. I wanted to do something to remember him and also raise funds for a very worthwhile cause.”

Read decided to run the marathon after seeing Louise, a keen runner, take part in 2005.

He added: “I’ve always had some interest in running myself and Lou had been badgering me about it for a while.

“Last winter in Australia, it’s fair to say I had time on my hands and was at a loose end. Lou decided to enter me for a 10-kilometre run and a half-marathon to give me something to focus on.

“I ran those in the spring just before pre-season and enjoyed them, at which point she suggested we enter the New York marathon.”

Read has an advantage in being one of the fittest men in the Notts squad but has also been doing extra training on top of his cricketing requirements.

As well as raising funds for Bowel Cancer UK, money will also go towards the Trevor Ward Foundation, which provides sponsorship for promising young cricketers and rugby players in Paignton.

Anyone interested in sponsoring him should visit www.justgiving.com/chrisandlouread.

This story first appeared in the summer edition of Covered, the official Notts club magazine available free to all members.