By Tom Brown

Kent seamer Ivan Thomas is not putting his feet up this winter as he begins a punishing charity challenge for a cause close to his heart.

The 24-year-old Kent Cricket Academy graduate is cycling the 1,100-mile route from Land's End to John O'Groats this month and taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in memory of a former team-mate who died aged 21.

Thomas, who plays for Kent Cricket League club Blackheath, has raised more than £3,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young in honour of Tommy Hardman, who he played with at Leeds/Bradford MCCU as a student.

Cardiac Risk In the Young aims to save young lives and help those affected by sudden cardiac death by providing support, information and screening those affected.

Kent batsman Rob Key is a patron of the charity and all-rounder Calum Haggett is a supporter after a routine screening revealed a heart issue.

Ivan is looking forward to the challenge and said: “Since the end of the season, I have been trying to get miles into my legs in the bike by going on rides but have had a few setbacks with bike malfunctions.

"I have also spoken to our physiotherapist Dan George about nutrition during the ride as he has completed a Land's End to John O'Groats cycle before."

Ivan will fly out to Australia next month for another spell with the Sunshine Coast Scorchers in Queensland.

He took 19 wickets at an average of 19.68 in 2014/15 and used it as a springboard to regular first-team action after three years of injury troubles.

The Greenwich-born bowler said: "I am hoping it will put me in a really good shape for when I head out to the Sunshine Coast at the start of November, while giving my body a rest from not actually bowling and training it in another way."

To sponsor Ivan visit his justgiving page.

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