Published: 16 May, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

THE magic of Hogwarts is set to take on the wizardry skills of former England cricket internationals to help preserve an essential community
mental health charity based in Kentish Town.

On one side of the hallowed grounds at Lord’s will be David English’s Bunbury Celebrity Cricket team, including Harry Potter stars James and Oliver Phelps, who played the Weasley brothers, and Alfie Enoch, who played Dean Thomas.

On the other side will be the Mike Brearley XI, featuring former cricket luminaries including Clive Radley, Angus Fraser, John Lever, Ed Smith, Mark Alleyne, Paul Downton and Russell Cake.

The star-studded line-up are joining forces at the Nursery Ground next Saturday (May 25) on behalf of the Camden Psychotherapy Unit, which
provides psychoanalytic psychotherapy for adults.

Having been stripped of NHS funding, dedicated staff from the CPU in Kentish Town Road are working hard to raise sufficient funds to fill the financial gap and save this valuable community service.

Team skipper Brearley pursued a career as a writer and psychoanalyst after he retired, and spent four years with the CPU in the 1980s and still remains a patron for the charity.

Mr Brearley, who captained England for 31 test matches, is fully focused on the upcoming game.

“The main aim is to support an excellent and unique psychotherapy service,” he said. “It helps many people in Camden who would not otherwise have the opportunity for this kind of serious and dynamic psychotherapy.”

Ora Dresner, clinical director of CPU, added: “We hope people will show their support for our mental health service charity at this great day out. CPU offers therapy to those in the local communities of Camden and Islington who might otherwise be unable to access or afford such help.”

Gates open at noon on May 25 with the first innings set to get under way at 1.30pm.

There will also be the chance to bid in a charity auction, which will include enticing items such as tea for two in the Peers Dining Room and a private tour of the House of Lords.

• Tickets cost £65 for adults (includes afternoon tea), and £15 for children under 14. To book tickets visit www.cpubunburycricket.eventbrite.co.uk