Bears show their support for St Basils’ Soup Week ahead of the Edgbaston Sleepout next month

Bears batsmen Andy Umeed and Ed Pollock were recently on-hand to support the Tomato and St Basils Soup Week, which aims to raise important funds and awareness for our lead charity partner in its quest to prevent youth homelessness in Birmingham and across the wider West Midlands region.

We’re thrilled to be working with a charity that is making such positive change in the local community

Ravinder Masih

At a time that saw snow, ice and temperatures below freezing across parts of the United Kingdom, Andy and Ed served soup in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral and spent time with St Basils’ staff, volunteers, and individuals who have been supported by the charity.

Ravi Masih, Head of Community Engagement at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “Soup week plays a key part for St Basils in the heart of the city, which raises awareness, funds, but also attract volunteers to show similar support to Andy and Ed.

“We’re thrilled to be working with a charity that is making such positive change in the local community and Andy and Ed’s support is one of several activities that we have been working on with St Basils ahead of our own Edgbaston Sleepout.”

Warwickshire CCC’s official charity, the Edgbaston Foundation, stages its second stadium sleepout on Thursday 26 April, with all funds raised being donated to charities supporting the homeless.

Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising at St Basils, said “We’re very grateful for the support that the Bears have shown to us for this event.  Their commitment and passion to the local community is truly fantastic.