Miranda Norris

The Azaylia Foundation will mark five years of supporting children with cancer with a free community celebration at West Midlands Safari Park on September 27. Founded by Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee after their daughter Azaylia died from acute myeloid leukaemia in 2021, the foundation says it has committed £1.1 million to research, secured more than £760,000 in match funding and funded treatment for 17 children. The event will include entertainment, a private experience for supported families and children from Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and the conclusion of a 420-mile charity run linking four children’s hospitals and delivering more than 200 Joy Jars.

Worcestershire Rapids recovered from a difficult weekend to beat defending T20 champions Somerset by 36 runs, driven by strong batting from Sikandar Raza and Brett D’Oliveira and effective bowling spells from Usama Mir and Matthew Waite. Waite highlighted the team’s positive reaction to their previous loss and praised D’Oliveira’s leadership and performance. The win brought Worcestershire level at three wins and three losses in their T20 campaign.

Worcestershire Women’s Rapids secured a six‑wicket win over Sussex Sharks to strengthen their Vitality Blast T20 qualification chances. Led by Clare Boycott’s effective bowling and supported by tight spells from the attack, they restricted Sussex to 120. Madison Windeatt and returning batter Gwen Davies guided the chase with strong contributions before Boycott and Liv Gough completed the victory in front of the home crowd.

Worcestershire Rapids strengthened their Vitality Blast knockout prospects with a 36‑run win over Somerset at New Road. Strong contributions from Sikandar Raza, Brett D’Oliveira and Isaac Mohammed helped set a total of 180‑5 before Usama Mir and Matthew Waite led an effective bowling performance. Somerset’s chase faltered after early wickets and a rapid collapse in the middle overs, leaving them short despite late resistance from Craig Overton. The result keeps Worcestershire in contention ahead of their next match against Kent Spitfires.