Grace Ballinger and Ella Claridge have successfully completed a three-day hike of Morocco’s Mount Toubkal, raising almost £30,000 for the Cricketers’ Trust in the process.
Bowler Ballinger and batter Claridge were part of a 20-strong group that ascended the mountain, the highest in Morocco and in all of North Africa.
The fundraising effort from the climbers will go towards ensuring the life-changing and often life-saving provision on offer to PCA members and their immediate families continues.
“These challenges are for a great cause,” said Ballinger. “It was my first experience of doing something for a charity, so to do it for one which is so close to home that can impact myself and my friends and family is really important.
“I enjoyed the trek even though it was a bit tough to adjust to different climates. It was boiling hot at the bottom but freezing cold with the 3:30am start to reach to the top.
“It felt more worthwhile with how tough it was, but I am really pleased to have contributed to the Cricketers’ Trust.”
The hikers travelled the 40 miles from Marrakech to Imlil Valley on Wednesday 22 October, before a six-hour climb took them to Toubkal basecamp at 3,207 metres above sea level.
The second day of climbing began with a 2:30am alarm call which saw the team ascend to the incredible 4,167 metre summit of Mount Toubkal at 7:30am to watch the sunrise.
A gruelling 12-hour hike on Thursday took them back down the mountain to the Imlil Valley before a well-earned overnight stay in Marrakech.
The Trust was created to support the life-long health and wellbeing of past and present cricketers and their immediate families.
As part of professional cricket’s leading charity, the Trust funds life-changing assistance through expert advice, rehabilitation programmes and a dedicated 24-hour Confidential Helpline.
The most prominent case in 2025 highlighted how the Trust supported the Thorpe family.
Graham sadly made an attempt on his life in 2022, and the Trust stepped in to help the former Surrey and England batter and his family with support and counselling.
The Trust was there once again for Amanda, Kitty and Emma after Graham’s tragic death last year.
“My advice would be to just get involved with the Trust when you can,” added Claridge. “We didn’t really know what to expect before and we just signed up.
“We definitely had a great experience that we will never forget, so just do it and take the leap of faith.”
You can still donate to the Cricketers’ Trust here to help reach the £30,000 fundraising target.
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