This year, our kit isn’t just new, it’s Worcestershire Sourced.
At Worcestershire County Cricket Club, we’ve always believed that our strength comes from our roots. So in 2025, we didn’t want a typical kit launch. We wanted something that speaks to who we are, where we come from, and the people who make this county extraordinary.
Instead of players unveiling the kit, we turned to four remarkable individuals – real people from right here in Worcestershire – who embody the core values that shape our Club.
Their stories of trust, inclusiveness, kindness, and resilience are not just inspiring, they are a reminder that our identity is built from the ground up, by the people who call this place home.
These are our Worcestershire Sourced heroes.
Meet Our Local Heroes
Ben Rafiqi – A Champion for the Homeless
Core Value: Trust
Having experienced homelessness himself, living in a car for about a year (circa 2009) Ben dedicated his life to supporting others facing similar struggles. He found Let’s Feed Brum (2016), offering nightly outreach and hot meals, and later established Tabor Living Shelter (2017), helping 60-70% of its residents transition to full-time work. He continues to lead community projects in Redditch and is now working on a charity to redistribute surplus food. His journey is one of trust, proving that lived experience can drive real change.
Carol Ludwig – Uniting a Community Through Action
Core Value: Inclusiveness
Carol founded Keep Tenbury Clean & Green nearly ten years ago after losing her mum, turning her grief into community action. What started as solo litter picking has grown into a thriving volunteer movement, engaging Duke of Edinburgh Award participants and local families. Recognised at Tenbury Matters events, her story highlights inclusiveness, proving that small efforts can unite people and inspire pride in the community.
Lesley Fage – Bringing Comfort Through Therapy Dogs
Core Value: Kindness
Lesley and her therapy dogs, Aero and Casper, have spent eight years bringing joy to patients at Worcester Royal Hospital, particularly children and those struggling with mental health. Aero was originally meant to be a flyball competitor but naturally became a therapy dog while visiting Lesley’s mother with dementia. Their work has earned awards like Volunteer of the Year (2017) and the Make a Difference Award (2021). Lesley’s story embodies kindness, showing how small acts of compassion can make a lasting impact.
Paddy Crump – Mental Health Advocate and Youth Mentor
Core Value: Resilience
After struggling with OCD, anxiety, and depression, Paddy turned his challenges into advocacy, launching The Hero Project, which empowers young people to be their own heroes. He has also supported The Hub in Bromsgrove, a youth and community centre providing mental health resources. His journey embodies resilience, showing that overcoming personal struggles can lead to helping others do the same.