Cricketers to Undertake Marathon in Memory of Josh Baker

A group of cricketers will participate in a marathon this weekend to generate funds, honoring the memory of their friend and teammate who passed away earlier in the year. Josh Baker, a spin bowler for Worcestershire and a Redditch native, was only 20 years old at the time of his death in May, having made his first-class debut for the county less than two years prior. This Saturday, individuals from Astwood Bank Cricket Club are scheduled to commence their run from their home ground. The route will then proceed to New Road, Worcestershire’s home venue, followed by Malvern College, Baker’s former school, before concluding at Barnards Green Cricket Club. Paul Baker, Josh’s father, expressed his sentiments, stating, “We find it touching, humbling, that people want to do this in Josh’s memory.” Earlier this year, The Telegraph disclosed that the cricketer’s death was attributed to a heart defect. Proceeds generated from the marathon event will be directed towards the JB33 Foundation. This charity is being established by Baker’s parents to honor their son’s legacy and provide assistance to local cricket clubs. Lisa Baker, his mother, indicated that one of the charity’s objectives would be to aid clubs with their safety equipment. She elaborated, “Although a lot of cricket clubs have defibrillators now, they do need the upkeep. Batteries need to be checked, the pads need to be checked.” Mrs. Baker recalled her son’s surprise at achieving sporting success at such a young age. “It was obviously his dream, but never thought it was going to happen to him,” she stated. She added, “He always gave it his best, and absolutely loved what he did.” Mr. Baker further commented, “[It’s] always at the back of all our minds, where he could have gone with it.” He continued, “And it’s just an absolutely disastrous shame that his life ended when it did, without fulfilling all his potential.” Josh Dickenson, a friend of Baker’s, is the organizer of Saturday’s fundraising marathon. “I’m sure he’d be pretty touched by it,” Dickenson remarked. “I’m sure he would find a way to take the mick out of us somehow, that’s what he was like.” He concluded, “But I’m sure he’ll be with us.” Mr. Baker conveyed his hope that both the charity and the marathon would contribute to preserving his son’s memory. He stated, “[Cricket is] a sport he loved, a sport we love.” He added, “And if we can help in any way to give clubs or individuals to have the life we’ve had through cricket… that’s what we’d like to do.”