Birmingham: Champion opener Graham Gooch, who is also a former captain of England, never takes up a challenge unprepared.

So, towards that end, Gooch and his long-time partner Julia have started preparing for 'Goochie's Coast 2 Coast 2018' Walk in September.

The Walk will, as first reported in these columns on July 22, raise funds for the Professional Cricketers' Association's Benevolent Fund and the Graham Gooch Scholarship.

Gooch is the Association's president.

"Julia and I walked for 11-12 miles today (Monday), covering one leg in the Yorkshire area. We'll resume on Tuesday and, then, return home on Wednesday," Gooch told The Telegraph around 7.30 pm.

Gooch added: "Of course, you need to prepare. Whether it's cricket or a 193-mile Walk."

The Walk would be over 13 days. Gooch and Julia will be joined by three friends, one of whom is a physio.

As an initiative, it's excellent, though it may not receive the attention Sir Ian Botham's fund-raising Walks get.