THE leading children’s charity in Gloucestershire has appointed two sporting stars as new vice patrons.

Gloucester Rugby winger Charlie Sharples and former Gloucestershire cricket ace Alex Gidman, have both been invited to join The Pied Piper Appeal team.

Charlie Sharples made his debut for Gloucester Rugby during the 2007/08 season and is extremely popular with the Kingsholm faithful.

He said he was delighted to be involved with the charity.

“I have often visited the children’s centre at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital with Gloucester Rugby and seen the fantastic work that Pied Piper does for the kids up close,” he said.

“I am pleased to be more involved and provide greater support in the county helping to raise funds, especially during their 25th anniversary year.”

Alex Gidman's played in both of Gloucestershire’s two successive Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy Lord's final victories in 2003 and 2004, and was county captain from 2009 to 2012.

He said it was “really special” to be part of the Pied Piper Appeal.

“I first met the team when I supported the charity in my benefit year a few years ago and I fell in love with their passion and attitude,” he said.

“It will be amazing to be involved and hopefully help in what is going to be a really exciting time.”

Nick Broady, chairman of Pied Piper, said it was a “great honour” to have Charlie and Alex supporting the charity as vice patrons.

He continued: “Alongside Phil Vickery, we have a great team of sporting ambassadors and their popularity and reach in the county will help raise even more awareness for the work we are doing.

“Next year we proudly celebrate 25 years and have a huge target to raise as well as funding for our two-year half a million pledge for the Chamwell children’s centre project.

“As charity ambassadors, Charlie and Alex will play a fantastic role in awareness initiatives and fund raising events, to boost our monies.

“As we have benefitted with Phil, the popularity of local-based sportsmen works really well in engaging with the community and with local businesses.”

The charity, founded in 1992, aims to make a difference to the lives of sick and disabled children in the county by funding medical and practical equipment that enhances care and treatment for children in hospital, special schools and care centres.

For more information, visit piedpiperappeal.co.uk