Former cricket International Dougie Brown and his wife Amelia are running in this year's London Marathon to raise funds for two of their favourite charities. Dougie and other Warwickshire cricketers have generally supported Cure Leukaemia during their benefit years but as Amelia is an Ambassador for Spoon, the charity will also benefit from their efforts. A curry night held recently at Deedar's Indian restaurant in Barnt Green raised just shy of £2,000 towards their fundraising target. The evening of entertainment consisted of games, auction and raffle along with sporting banter from some of Dougie's pals including former Warwickshire colleague fast bowler Gladstone Small and footballing hero Geoff Thomas formerly of Wolverhampton Wanderers fame. Having just flown back from India where he's an England selector, Ashes hero Ashley Giles gave a few insights into England's current cricket World Cup campaign.

Dougie and Amelia, a member of classical singing trio Elysium lll, will be hosting another night of music, fun and a fish supper at The Old Rose & Crown in Lickey on Friday 20th May.