Kent batsman Joe Denly raised over £4,000 for two charities by not touching a drop of alcohol in 2016.

Denly, who is spending the winter playing grade cricket in Australia, achieved his challenge of avoiding alcohol for 12 months despite celebrating his birthday and the birth of his first child, Henry, during the year.

In addition to his generous donation of £1,800 for the PCA Benevolent Fund, Denly also raised more than £2,500 for Cancer Research.

“Obviously I am chuffed to complete the year but to raise that amount of money, which will hopefully help someone less fortunate than me, is the most pleasing aspect. Thank you to everyone that donated,” Denly said.

“It certainly was most challenging the first month or so. I had a holiday with friends and then my 30th birthday, so that was a pretty tough start.

“I thought the summer would be the toughest, with pressure from my team mates especially after a good win but they were actually great and very supportive which made things a lot easier for me.”

Denly, 30, followed the example of Durham seamer Chris Rusworth who went dry through 2014 and also raised money for the PCA Benevolent Fund.

The PCA Benevolent Fund, which is generously sponsored by Royal London, supports past and present county cricketers and their immediate dependants in times of hardship and upheaval or to readjust to the world beyond the game.

The fund also supports players and their dependants who might need help with medical advice, an operation or specialist care or assistance.