The Middlesex CC Elite Player Development squad completed a 12-hour catchathon to raise money for Christmas presents for hospital patients.

The young cricketers, aged 16 to 18, completed over 7,500 catches of a cricket ball through the night from 7pm until 7am on Wednesday.

And the players went to the oncology and neo-natal wards at Barnet Hospital to hand out gifts to children and spread some festive cheer.

Organisers of the appeal explained on the JustGiving page: “The aim isthe funds raised will be divided through the player group equally so they purchase gifts, which they will be giving to the parent, child or staff member on our visit.”

Donors left messages of support, with one posting: “Well done Middlesex boys, lovely thing to do for the local hospital.”

They have raised £3,612 so far and anyone wanting to donate can go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/middlesexepghospitalvisit.