Somerset cricketer sets sights on new challenge for children’s hospice
Somerset Country Cricket Club record-breaker and former fan favourite Max Waller is hoping to notch up some big numbers for Children’s Hospice South West in 2023.
The Taunton club’s leading all-time T-20 wicket-taker retired from the sport at the end of last season and has been awarded a testimonial year in which he has chosen to support the charity.
Max, who joined Somerset as a 10-year-old and spent his entire career at the club, took an incredible 139 wickets in 144 20-over matches. The right-handed batsman and a leg break bowler also played in 59 one-day games and nine first-class matches during his 15 years at the County Ground. 
The club approved the testimonial year in September last year in light of Max’s outstanding contribution to the club.
Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, said: “Max has been one the best fielders to ever take to the field in a Somerset shirt. We will all have a special memory of Max because there are so many moments to reflect on.
“A Somerset record breaker, an inspirational role model for all young cricketers and of course a crowd favourite. On behalf of all the players, staff, members and supporters of Somerset, we thank him for his unconditional service and all the memories he has given us. We wish Max and his family all the very best in the future.”
In supporting CHSW, Max, 34, follows in the footsteps of another celebrated Somerset cricketer, Marcus Trescothick. The former England batsman and Ashes winner helped raise thousands of pounds for the charity during a benefit year in 2008 and testimonial in 2018.
Max visited CHSW’s Little Bridge House children’s hospice in North Devon this week to meet staff and find out more about how his testimonial year can benefit the charity.
CHSW volunteer fundraiser Steve Warner said: “Congratulations on Max for being awarded a testimonial, year after a fantastic 15 years at Somerset. We are thrilled that he has chosen to use it to support CHSW in 2023 and are looking forward to helping him celebrate such a wonderful career.
The money and awareness Max is able to raise for CHSW will make a massive difference to so many local families facing unimaginable challenges.
"It was an honour to be able to welcome him to Little Bridge House and give him just a brief glimpse of how much his support will help.”
For more than 30 years, CHSW has been dedicated to helping local families make the most of short and precious lives.
The charity’s three hospices – Little Bridge House in North Devon, Charlton Farm near Bristol and Little Harbour in St Austell – support more than 500 children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families across the region with a range of free services, all available 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.
Support for the whole family includes short breaks; specialist medical, palliative, emergency and end-of-life care; play and music therapy; activities for siblings; and bereavement support. During the Covid pandemic, the charity adapted its care model to extend support to families’ own homes.
CHSW needs around £11m a year to run its three children’s hospices, and around 85 per cent is raised through voluntary donations.