After raising over £11,000 last year for a charity in his grandad’s memory, Long Sutton 1st XI captain Jake Burton already has 771 cricketers signed up across the country to raise money this year.
The 28-year-old leg spinner launched Runs 4 Research in memory of club stalwart Trevor in 2021.
The very simple concept is that players donate 20p for every wicket they take or 5p for every run scored to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
In the first year Jake helped raise £5,819 for the charity looking into a cure for Alzheimer’s and he nearly doubled the total in 2022.
Even more people have signed up for this year’s fundraising efforts.
“It’s just been a fantastic response,” said Jake. “Players have really got on board with it.
“It provides something to talk about and every run counts.
“Say you only score ten runs in an innings, that’s still 50p towards charity.
“I’ve also heard so many stories from people that have relatives who have or had Alzheimer’s like my grandad did.”
Jake’s particularly had a boost this year after appearing on cricket podcasts as word about his charity efforts continue to grow.
He recently gave the cheque for last year’s collective effort to Zoe Dean, regional fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Research UK, beside the scoreboard his family bought for the Long Sutton clubhouse in Trevor Burton’s name.
Zoe said: “A huge thank you to Jake and all those who have helped raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK by taking part in Runs 4 Research.”
For more on Runs 4 Research, including how you can sign up and purchase merchandise, visit http://www.runs4research.org.uk/
- Breaking News
