Grandfather’s inspiration for Jake’s cricket season charity challenge

A Long Sutton cricketer is looking to remember his grandfather by donating money to charity for every wicket and run he picks up in the 2021 cricket season – and he’d like other cricketers to do the same.

Jake Burton (26) came up with the idea for Runs4Research in memory of Trevor Burton who passed away aged 83 at the end of last year.

The leg spinner’s love for cricket came from watching his grandad and dad Gary playing for Sutton Bridge and Long Sutton as well as playing with them in the garden.

This season he’s pledged to give 20p per wicket and 5p per run he earns for Long Sutton’s Sunday side and the Sandringham side he plays for on Saturdays to Alzheimer’s Research UK, the condition Trevor battled in the latter years of his life.

And over 30 fellow players have already pledged to do the same.

“My grandfather was cricket through and through and I wanted to do something, not just in his memory, but to raise money too,” Jake said. “He is someone I’ve always looked up to.

“He represented both Sutton Bridge and Long Sutton for years and was a valued member of the team as a batsman.

“Myself and my sister Ellie spent many hours playing cricket in the garden with him.

“He was always proud of both me and Ellie and a lot of any cricketing ability we have was developed in that back garden.

“When I go out for that first match of the season I’ll definitely be thinking of him.”

Jake won’t be the only one raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
He has set up an online spreadsheet so anyone can join him in his charity efforts.

“The website only went live last week but I’ve already got over 30 players signed up,” said Jake. “It’s mostly those I play with at the moment but I have also had people who are doing it from the likes of Durham and Dorset. I’d like to get more people signed up and want to hit 50 before the start of the season.

“I think this has the potential to go far and raise a good amount for the charity.”

For more information visit the homepage for the Twitter account @Runs4Research