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| Edited By: Ismat Tahseen |Source: DNA |Updated: Nov 21, 2013, 01:44 PM IST
She has a growing reputation in the game as one of the world’s best limited over players and might create her own fan club when she’s on the pitch.
But off it, young England woman cricketer Ebony Jewel Rainford-Brent is garnering all the right attention too. She’s got another passion that’s close to her heart - fundraising for AIDS through Keep a Child Alive (KCA).
The organisation is an urgent response to the AIDS pandemic ravaging Africa and India. What makes the cause more motivating is that KCA has been founded by activist Leigh Blake and Grammy award winning artist Alicia Keys.
“Alicia is an inspiration because she is just so talented at whatever she chooses to do - be it singing, performing or acting. She is a great example of what someone can achieve through hard work, dedication and embracing the talent she has been blessed with. She also realises the impact she can have by creating the KCA campaign,” says Ebony, who was in the country earlier this month for a Twenty20 series against India.
She adds, “Once Alicia found out about my interest in helping with the charity, we felt that the tour of India was the perfect opportunity. Touring means we get to see first hand how AIDS is affecting so many lives in Africa and India. The increased attention that comes with being a professional athlete means we are in a fortunate position to be able to help worthy causes such as this. Athletes who are in such a privileged position should do as much as they can to add weight and support to such campaigns.”
And was Mumbai fun? “It’s one of the most exciting cities,” gushes Ebony. “People here are just so mad about their cricket. It’s like religion. The profile of women’s cricket is growing all the time and it’s great to see evidence of this.”
She also tucked into a lot of India food. “I love Indian food. Living in London means that we have access to plenty of good Indian restaurants, but I guess you can’t beat being in India and embracing the food as much as possible,” she ends.
