CRICKET and football legends will gather at the crease in Christchurch this weekend to raise money for Macmillan Caring Locally’s (MCL) Brick by Brick appeal.

A small number of tickets and corporate tables are still available to witness The Saxe Coburg Invitational XI take on the Lashings World XI at Chapel Gate on August 23.

The all-star line-up includes Andrew Caddick, Chris Lewis, John Emburey and Saj Mahmood - with special guest Matt Le Tissier.

Macmillan Caring Locally, which is not part of the national Macmillan charity, funds the Macmillan Unit, which was built in the grounds of Christchurch Hospital in 1974 and now supports more than 1,600 patients with life-limiting illnesses each year.

The charity will soon launch the Brick by Brick appeal to replace the now outdated unit with a state-of-the-art, specialist, palliative care unit.

Around £5m has already been raised towards the project, but a further £6m is still needed.

Lashings has pledged to raise upwards of £10k this year for the appeal through its specialist sporting events.

Dave Fitzgerald, Director of Lashings said: "I became a supporter of MCL years ago after a colleague with cancer received exceptional end of life care at the unit.

"Since then I have known other people who have been cared for at the unit and I am incredibly proud that our events are able to help the charity’s outstanding work."

Lin Sharp, MCL’s Capital Appeal Director said: "We are immensely grateful to Lashings for its continuing support.

"Cricket fans will obviously love this match. But the best thing is that you don’t even have to like cricket to enjoy the day. It’s a spectacle rather than a sports match, with a fundraising marquee packed with entertainment.

"We hope people will come forward and snap up the last remaining tickets."

The day starts at noon with a three course lunch in the private marquee, including a fully licensed bar. Entertainment will be provided by the Lashings World XI team.

This will be followed by a competitive 20/20 cricket match between Lashings World XI and the Saxe Coburg Invitational.

For details of tickets and corporate packages email: Suzy@lashings-worldxi.co.uk or call 07846 663323.

To donate to the Brick by Brick Appeal go to macmillanlocal.org