Matthew Hoggard is already a cricketing hero and now he’s becoming a hero for Rainbows Hospice too.

As well as officially starting the annual Rainbows Walk of Life on Sunday 27 May, the Leicestershire County Cricket Club captain is also becoming a patron of the charity.

The annual Rainbows Walk of Life is taking place as part of Children’s Hospice Week, when walkers can cover a heroic 15 miles or a more sedate five around Leicester, starting at the Grace Road ground. The theme is superheroes, so walkers are invited to come along dressed as their favourite. It is optional though if secret identities need to be maintained.

Speaking about the event while visiting the hospice Matthew said: “My management team at Champions does a lot of work with Rainbows and they told me about the hospice. My wife and I are lucky that our son is healthy, but some parents sadly have to face the fact that their child won’t live the full life they’d hoped for them. Rainbows is there for those children, their parents, siblings and other family members.

“Anything any of us can do to help this incredible cause is worthwhile, so please join me on Sunday May 27 at the Walk of Life.”

Matthew Hoggard MBE is one of the most successful international cricketers to have played for England. He currently plays for and captains, Leicestershire County Cricket Club where, after leaving his home county of Yorkshire at the end of the 2009 season, he has had a successful period. He was a vital member of the inspirational England side that won the epic 2005 Ashes series and has been a model of consistency throughout his test and one day international career, representing his country on 93 occasions.

A consistent bowler and a natural leader in the England team, Matthew's international career was surprisingly ended, somewhat prematurely, in March of 2008. Then, after being released by Yorkshire at the end of the 2009 season, Matthew was immediately announced as the new captain for Leicestershire County Cricket. He took his 700th first-class wicket during the 2010 campaign and continues to be an asset on the field as an opening bowler, and off the field as a mentor to the teams' younger professionals. A true leader, Matthew captained Leicester County Cricket Club to their third T20 win in August 2011, after the most dramatic finals day in Twenty20 history.

With his customary energy and enthusiasm, Matthew is committed to making his career off the cricket field as long and successful as his career on the field.

If you’re inspired by Hoggy’s exploits and want to help Rainbows provide much needed support to life-limited children and their families in the East Midlands then sign up now by visiting www.rainbows.co.uk/walkoflife or calling 0800 952 1133 and get that Spiderman suit off to the dry cleaners!