English cricket legend and commentator Ian Terence Botham, born 1955 in Cheshire, England, is to be knighted by the Queen for his extensive charity work.
The all-rounder English captain’s career, spanning from 1977 to 1993, saw him take down the likes of Allan Border and Kim Hughes, whilst scoring 14 centuries and receiving the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1981, the Walter Lawrence Trophy in 1982, the Walter Lawrence Trophy again in 1985 and an OBE in 1992.
But that’s nothing compared to the effort, commitment and dedication he’s put in to helping raise money for the fight against Leukaemia.
The almost Sir Botham has raised about 10 million pounds just by going for a couple of long strolls. Eleven enduringly endless strolls, taking him around Britain and across the Alps.
But Botham himself says
I have walked thousands of miles for Leukaemia research, and every step was worth it

The International cricketing legend, Ian ‘Beefy’ Botham, will be knighted in an official ceremony on June 16, as part of the Queen’s Birthday celebrations, and will continue to raise funds for charity with a number of events already planned for 2007.