Long Sutton cricketer who raised more than £30,000 for medical research attended 10 Downing Street reception

A cricketer who was inspired by his beloved grandfather to launch a charity initiative which has raised more than £30,000 to aid medical research has attended a special reception at No10 Downing Street in honour of his achievement.

Long Sutton Cricket Club captain Jake Burton, 29, came up with the idea for Runs 4 Research, which raises money for Alzheimer’s Research UK after losing his grandad, Trevor Burton, to the disease at the end of 2020.

Through Runs 4 Research cricketers pledge to donate five pence per run scored, and 50p for every wicket they take during a season. Around 250 players signed up in 2021, raising £6,000, while more than 500 players took part the following year raising another £11,000 and last season more than £15,000 was raised by 900 players.

“After losing my grandfather at the end of 2020, I just felt like I wanted to do something to help raise some money for research,” said Jake, of Holbeach. “He was a big cricketer and some of my fondest memories with him were associated with our mutual love of cricket.

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“The initial target was to get 100 people signed up for the first year and raise £1,000 but thanks to support locally and further afield we ended up with 250 players raising £6,000. The following year we just about doubled that and then last year we took our total to just over £33,000 which is amazing.”

On Wednesday (March 20) Jake, an accountant at TC Bulley Davey, in Holbeach, attended a special reception at No10 Downing Street along with MPs, other fundraisers and representatives from pharmaceutical companies working towards a cure for Alzheimer’s.

“The email invitation arrived out of the blue, it was a complete surprise – I had no idea and had to check with Alzheimer’s Research UK, who had put me forward,” says Jake. “It was really surreal to walk through the door of No10, but a great experience to meet with all these people, who are helping to change the future with their work.

“It was a great networking event and there was also the opportunity to hear a few guest speakers. It was real privilege.”

So far 430 players have signed up to take part in Runs 4 Research this year. Jake says the initiative is open to anyone who plays cricket at - juniors and seniors, in friendlies and at club level – all they have to do is donate the amount they raise at the end of the season.

“We’ve got clubs up and down the country involved and ideally, we’d love to get 1,000 players taking part this year. That gives us a real chance of raising £17,000, which would take us to a total of £50,000. It’s definitely achievable,” he added.

* To find out more and get involved visit www.runs4research.org.uk

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