 At the beginning of 2016, Denly gave up alcohol for a year in order to raise money for Cancer Research UK and the Professional Cricketers' Association benevolent fund, raising more than £4,000.After signing a contract extension in August 2016, Denly further improved his first-class high score on 21 May 2017 when he made 227 in the second innings of a Championship match against Worcestershire.His innings put Kent on course for victory, but Worcestershire successfully chased a target of 399 the following day.