MEMBERS of Wem Cricket Club have achieved their aim of virtually running to India for charity and now they are on the return leg.

Last month to raise money to fund a new defibrillator at the club, as well as raising money for the NHS, it was decided to walk, run and cycle a total of 4000 miles

The club are raising money for a defibrillator as although there is already one nearby at the train station, it is on the far side of the tracks which could cause issues in an emergency if the barriers were down.

The distance has been chosen as the equivalent of travelling from Wem to Mumbai in India and the Indian city was chosen as the virtual target as it is the home of the club's professional cricketer for this year, who would have joined the club this summer before the coronavirus lockdown.

But after just seven days the 4,000 mile goal has been reached, so the fundraisers are doubling their target with the fundraiser also nearing their £3,000 target.

Club chairman Shaun Astley send the decision to increase the distance was thanks to the generosity of the public.

He said: "Following the amazing support we have had from Club members, families and friends in cycling, running, walking more than 3,300 miles in just seven days and the amazing kindness shown by the public in sending donations, we have decided to increase our mileage target to 8,000 miles.

"This is the equivalent of us travelling to Mumbai and back to Wem.

"We hope you will all get behind us and continue to donate to enable us to purchase a defibrillator that will be accessible to the local community at all times and to allow us to donate to the NHS."

To donate to the fundraiser, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shaunastley