A CRICKETER is swapping his bat for trainers and moving from the pitch to the pavement as he prepares to take on an epic running challenge.

Matt Green, who used to play in the Sussex County Cricket Club second team, will tackle four races in eight weeks in aid of the Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice near Arundel.

As well as the Brighton Marathon in April, Matt will be taking part in the Brighton half marathon, Worthing half marathon and West Worthing 10km.

The 26-year-old from Patcham, Brighton, is now urging others to join him and the rest of the hospice running team for the full marathon in April.

Matt, who also batted for Surrey, decided to support the hospice after learning more about its work.

He said: “When I was playing for Sussex we had a tour of the hospice and saw the work they do. It hit a few of the lads quite hard, seeing things like the bereavement rooms.

“I was fortunate enough to be a young person playing sport and it brought home that it’s not just older people who have these life-limiting conditions.

“Ever since then I’ve told myself I was always going to do something for them.”

Already a keen runner, Matt, who is a youth team coach at Sussex, is going for regular ten-mile training sprints and looking forward to starting his fundraiser.

He said: “Entering my first 10k was the best thing I’ve ever done and I would put it on a par with all my cricketing achievements.

“I’m really passionate about running and pleased I can now do it to support Chestnut Tree House. It’s a great charity and the work it does is amazing.”

Hospice fundraiser Nicky Ifould said: “Seeing our work first hand has stayed with Matt and we’re delighted he has chosen to support us.

“It costs us £3.5 million a year to provide care, support and advice to youngsters and their families and with the Government funding we do receive making up less than seven per cent of this, we rely heavily on community support.

“If you’re keen to boost your health in 2017, join our team. As well as improving your fitness in one of the nation’s most popular races you’ll be helping us continue our vital work with every penny you raise.”

For more information visit chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/brightonmarathon.