On the 21st of December, nine friends and I are running a marathon from Astwood Bank Cricket Club in Redditch to Barnards Green Cricket Club in Malvern in memory of our mate Josh Baker.

Josh and I met each other as 9-year-olds where we were both playing for Worcestershire under 10’s, and at age 13 we were both awarded the chance to move schools to Malvern College in order to pursue our cricketing aspirations. During the next 5 years we spent every day together, becoming the best of mates, and it was there that I had privilege of watching him become the excellent cricketer that he became. I, and all of his friends and family, were extremely proud of him when, aged 18, he earnt his first Worcestershire contract. He went on to play for Worcestershire and England u19s taking 70 wickets across 47 games.

In May this year Josh tragically passed away leaving a massive void in the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him.

My friends and I want to run this marathon in memory of Josh and raise funds for the Josh Baker Foundation that his brilliant parents Lisa and Paul are setting up. The foundation aims to provide opportunities in the sport of cricket in all forms, ranging from players to ground staff to first aid.

The marathon route will go past some of the key places in Josh’s cricketing career. We’ll be starting at Astwood Bank Cricket Club, Josh’s first club where he played many times.

From there we will be heading to New Road, Worcestershire’s cricket ground where many of us proudly watched and supported Josh play professionally. Next, we will have an uphill slog to our former school, Malvern College, before finishing at my home cricket club, Barnards Green.

Following the run, we will be raising a glass and singing a few Christmas carols at Barnards Green CC in which everyone is welcome too.

Any donations or shares would be hugely appreciated and will help Lisa and Paul set up the foundation and create real positive change in Josh’s memory.

If you’d like to run it alongside, or a smaller part of the marathon then you are more than welcome - the more the merrier! Please contact me on 07375854835