OUR INSPIRATION
All To Play For remembers two remarkable men – Simon Prodger and Nick Gandon – whose lives were shaped by a deep love of sport and a shared conviction that its ability to build character, confidence and community should be shared with as many young people as possible. And especially those whose backgrounds would not otherwise afford them the opportunity.
Nick gandon
1956-2025
Nick Gandon’s life was a testament to the belief that sport can change lives.
A talented sportsman, Nick captained Durham University’s cricket and hockey 1st XIs and went on to play cricket for Oxford, Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire. He began his career as a teacher in independent schools, where he was as much a mentor in the nets as in the classroom.
In his 40s, Nick took what he called a “midlife moment” and moved into the third sector. As Director of the Cricket Foundation from 2003, he devised and launched Chance to Shine, the landmark programme that has since brought cricket to more than seven million state school children. He later founded and advised a series of social ventures, working with causes as varied as refugees, prison leavers and the homeless – yet access to sport remained a golden thread running through all his work
Beyond his professional career, Nick was a dedicated servant of the game: a stalwart of his beloved local club, Hoddesdon CC, and an elected member of the MCC Committee, where he campaigned to make the game - and the club - more inclusive.
In January 2024, Nick was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. True to form, he faced his illness with courage, determination and generosity. Even in his final months, he focused on giving back – raising money for sporting causes and laying the foundations for a legacy fund in his name and that of his dear friend "Prodge". He died in February 2025.
“To say that Dad “lived and breathed” cricket is an understatement. Everyone who knows him will recognise his boundless passion and commitment to sport and his wanting to make it a game for everyone”
Jo and Amy Gandon (Nick’s daughters)
“Dad adored cricket. He was happiest coaching colts, encouraging young people from less privileged communities into cricket and promoting his passion for the game and its character-building properties. It was at grassroots level, in communities both at home and abroad, where he felt it would do the most good."
Lisa and Sarah Prodger (Simon’s daughters)
Simon prodger
1959-2023
Simon “Prodge” Prodger embodied the belief that sport should be a force for good.
An accomplished cricket player - playing for and captained Harefield and Watford CCs, among others - Simon's love for the game also extended to leadership positions at a national level. He served as Managing Director of both the National Cricket Conference and Club Cricket Conference and a trustee of the Club Cricket Charity, where he worked tirelessly to ensure recreational clubs received recognition and support.
Long before inclusivity became a mainstream rallying cry, Simon was a steadfast champion of getting underrepresented groups into the game. He played an instrumental role in founding the South Asian Cricket Association and African Caribbean Cricket Association, and was a driving force behind the East Africa Character Development Trust, a charity bringing opportunity to young people in Nairobi’s slum communities, including through cricket coaching.
Simon passed away suddenly in April 2023 and is very much missed.