Charity cricket for MS

The day was organised by Neil Cunningham and Ian Mollart and was the first of what is hoped will become an annual event.

The inspiration came from Denise Gould, a 36 year old mother from Kingscott Close, who was diagnosed with MS three years ago.

Denise as a child felt clumsy and constantly tired and knew she was different from her sister and brother. She spent years exhausted and depressed and as a result worked hard on her fitness levels through exercise in an effort to boost her energy.

As a single mum with a full-time job she did her best to keep going but it was not until 2005 that doctors operating on her hip came away with a diagnosis of MS.

"I was very upset," said Denise during the cricket match on Sunday.

"Part of me wanted to run away. Obviously after all those years of being told it was all in my mind, and the way other people treated me, I found it very difficult to accept. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with it because I am young, and because there is so much more in my life I want to achieve...I am a go-getter."

She commented: "Now I want people to be more aware of MS. This disease is not just physically debilitating - it is emotionally debilitating and mentally debilitating as well.

"It has been very difficult...but at the moment I feel it is coming together. I am starting to recognise when I need to go and have a rest. I am feeling a lot more positive than I was. I have got people around me who understand what I am going through and understand me as a human being."

Hastings and Rother MS Society members attended the event, as did Cuddle Bunnies, and Bexhill 100 Motoring Club which had 20 cars on display from a 1930's Austin 7 to a more contemporary Mercedes. All the proceeds from food and drink sold on the day by Sidley Cricket Club were added to the funds raised on the day.

Spokesman Peter Nowak commented: "I am personally impressed at my friends from Bexhill 100 who have turned up here with their cars.

"This has been a learning curve and this is the first year. Maybe next year there will be a lot more people coming - with a bit more publicity. In years to come I hope this will be an annual event. If the people here have a good day we will have it next year and it will be even better."