A trek across the length of the UK, from the dramatic coastal scenery of Cornwall to the rugged Scottish Highlands, is a challenge for only the most determined.
That’s why Olivia Robinson, formerly of Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s academy setup, is the perfect candidate for such a task. She overcame severe mental health issues after 10 years of illness to be here today, and credits cricket as a driver for her recovery. Britain’s landscape is no match for her resilience.
Now, she embarks on this remarkable challenge to support Chance to Shine’s aim to inspire young people through cricket, no matter their background. So far, we’ve reached 7.3 million young people on our mission and only strive to help more. In 2024 alone, we reached 626,863.
A message from former Worcestershire player Olivia Robinson as she embarks on her trek from Land’s End to Edinburgh ❤️
You’re going to absolutely smash it!!!
Let’s hit her £20,000 target!!! DONATE HERE: https://t.co/duNGaDiyjh pic.twitter.com/rrVPeLZJUz
— Chance to Shine (@Chance2Shine) May 29, 2025
Liv has set a fundraising target of £20,000, but her ultimate goal is to raise awareness of just how positive the impact of playing sport, particularly cricket, can have on one’s mental health. Last year, 94% of teachers agreed their pupil’s self-belief improved from playing in Chance to Shine cricket sessions, and according to a 2024 Sport England study there is clear evidence that sport has positive effects on the diagnosed mental health problems of children and young people.
After her recovery, Liv settled down in Perth and became an artist in the mental health space. She loves playing and scoring runs for her club side and has built a strong friendship with Cameron Bancroft, who she does yoga classes with.
Her connection with art is well intertwined with her mission. She plans to stay at about 70 cricket clubs on her journey and will leave a cricket ball on the wall of each pavilion as a marker. Each ball will have a unique illustration, left as a small thank you to her hosts. She also hopes to do some painting on her journey, to document some of the stunning landscapes she’s sure to encounter.
After 12 days and 150 miles on foot, Liv has advanced from Land’s End, through Cornwall and Devon, before reaching Somerset, where she is currently. It’s been a truly wonderful effort so far, and Chance to Shine are excited to keep everyone updated as she heads northwards, before a finish at John o’ Groats towards the end of August.
Liv’s raised £1,338 so far – click here to contribute and support Chance to Shine deliver cricket, and its lifelong benefits, to young people throughout England and Wales.
