LONDON — Village cricketer Peter Mehuish took to the field at Lord's on Monday, days after his wedding, having raised the funds needed to make the journey following a viral online appeal backed by broadcaster Piers Morgan. The Marylebone Cricket Club confirmed his participation.

Mehuish, an amateur club player, launched the fundraiser after realising his wedding celebrations clashed with a rare invitation to play at the home of cricket. The campaign drew national attention when Morgan and other donors contributed, pushing the total past its stated goal within days.

The story captured the sentiment of grassroots cricket lovers, who shared it widely across social media as an example of the sport's amateur spirit. MCC officials said contributions arrived from supporters across Britain and abroad, many leaving messages congratulating the newlywed on his commitment.

MCC officials welcomed the appearance as a celebration of the recreational game that underpins English cricket. The club has increasingly promoted access days and community fixtures at Lord's, and Mehuish's story offered a timely boost to that message at the end of the summer season.

Mehuish thanked donors before taking the field. "I never imagined a wedding and a game at Lord's could happen in the same week," he said. "The generosity of complete strangers made this possible, and I'll never forget it."