FORMER-ENGLAND cricketer James Taylor helped to launch a new book Class 10’s Chance to Shine at a special World Book Day event at Bentley Heath Primary School on Thursday 2 March.
As well as helping with a special cricket coaching session, James answered the pupils’ questions on cricket, his career and his plans for the future.
James, whose career was cut short by a rare and serious heart condition, told the pupils about how the sport and the cricketing world were able to provide him with the support he needed to come to terms with what happened.
The year 5 pupils at Bentley Heath have been involved in the whole process of the book, written by Chance to Shine supporter Rachael Wong.
As well as being the inspiration for the book, they have helped the ideas for the story, have proof-read it during literacy lessons and have even drawn the illustrations used on the inside covers.
The book tells the story of Alex and his class who receive cricket coaching from Chance to Shine and includes a foreword by England cricketer Moeen Ali.
Rachael is also donating a copy of the book to every Chance to Shine Primary School in the country (around 4,000).
Speaking at the event, James Taylor said “Cricket has helped me so much in the past year to come to terms with my illness.
“The work that Chance to Shine does in schools will pass on those lessons that were invaluable to me, to the next generation.
“I hope that Rachael’s book will inspire children to take up the game to play and learn through cricket.”
