Tom Maynard: Charity bike ride for cricketer's trust

Figures from the cricketing world are taking part in a 150-mile bike ride in memory of Surrey player Tom Maynard.

They are cycling from Cardiff's Swalec Stadium arriving at London's Kia Oval shortly before Tuesday's tribute match between Surrey and Glamorgan.

It is the first fundraising event for the Tom Maynard Trust set up following the 23-year-old's death on 18 June.

Andrew Flintoff, Steve James, Will Bragg and Ryan Watkins are joining Maynard's father Matthew on the ride.

There can be nothing more rewarding for a parent knowing how your lad's turned out like you hoped them to”

Earlier this week, Maynard, a former England and Glamorgan batsman, spoke for the first time since his son's death.

He told BBC Wales: "The amount of letters that we've had shows how he turned out as a really great bloke.

"There can be nothing more rewarding for a parent knowing how your lad's turned out like you hoped them to."

Figures from the sporting world were among more than 1,000 mourners who attended the funeral at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff, last month.

He was hit by a London Underground train in Wimbledon on 18 June.

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned until 24 September.

The death, which is not being treated as suspicious, was announced a day after he played for his county in the t20 game against Kent.

Tom Maynard had previously played for Glamorgan until his father left his role as the club's coach in 2010.

The Tom Maynard Trust was given the go-ahead by his family last month and will initially help the development of aspiring disadvantaged cricketers.

Matthew Maynard added: "I'll do my best because Tom was never a quitter and he'd hate to think his old man would quit on something so I've tried to get the miles in.

"Whether I've had enough time to get the miles in I'm not sure, but I'm going to give it my best."

Matthew has spoken about the ride being undertaken again next year, so this could be an ongoing thing”

Ian Williams, a friend of the Maynard family, and the ride organiser said it was hoped more than £20,000 would be raised.

He added: "We've broken the ride into two relatively even days, the first around 95 miles or so and the second, as we want to get there by a certain time, is about 55 miles.

"We've had to limit the number of cyclists to 25 for logistical reasons but we welcome not only anyone who wishes to donate but also any offers to support us in any other practical way.

"Matthew has spoken about the ride being undertaken again next year, so this could be an ongoing thing."

The group set off at 07:00 BST on Monday and are due to arrive 96 miles away at 20:00 in Newbury, where they will stay overnight.

On Tuesday, they will set off at 08:00 BST to complete the remaining 55 miles and are due to arrive at the Oval at 15:00.

Richard Thompson, chairman of Surrey Cricket Club, who will be one of the four trustees, said: "Tom was an incredibly popular young man and the establishment of a trust will ensure that his name will not be forgotten.

"It is fitting that the objectives should focus on helping aspiring young cricketers and I am sure that an enormous number of people will benefit in years to come."

Matthew Maynard's first interview since son Tom's (right) death