A very special cricket match at Molyneux Park this Labour Monday (October 24) from 11am will be raising funds for I Am Hope, the Mike King-founded organisation that promotes attitudinal change around mental health issues.

The Chris Reinds XI will face off against the Rowan Parker XI for the third consecutive year. 

Match organiser Helen Harrex said starting the tradition of an annual match was all about “making a positive out of a negative”. 

The first game to honour Chris and Rowan, who died at age 24 and 16 respectively, was in 2020. Both young men were originally from Alexandra, though Rowan later moved to South Otago. Both were also keen sportsmen.

Each year the match rotates between Alexandra and South Otago.

This year is extra poignant as it is the tenth anniversary since the men’s families lost their loved ones. 

Chris took his own life in March 2012, and Rowan was killed in a motorcycle accident at the end of the same year. 

After the initial wounds healed and they could talk about their grief more, the two families – connected through friendship and sports – came together to celebrate the lives of the men and raise money for a good cause.

They chose I am Hope as their charity. I am Hope focuses on supporting young people’s mental health. 

They decided to hold a memorial cricket match with several of the men’s immediate family in each team. 

This year, young Zoe Reinds, who was just a baby when her father, will take the field. 

“It started with just mates and the families of the players turning up. But this year we want to involve the public,” Helen said. 

There will be a bouncy castle and sausage sizzle with proceeds going to I am Hope. Mr Whippy and Rob’s Daily Grind will also be at the match and will donated some of their takings from the day. 

Helen invites the community to come out in support of the cause. 

“We’ll play regardless of the weather as we are excited that it is the first year we will be fundraising at the memorial match.” 

PHOTO: Supplied