A cricket charity set up in memory of player Josh Baker is celebrating reaching a fundraising milestone of £100,000.
The JB33 Foundation, launched to honour the Worcestershire player who died in 2024, achieved the total with support from Worcestershire County Cricket Club and a series of community events.
The foundation was established to continue Mr Baker’s legacy by helping more young people access the game he loved.
Funds have been raised through a variety of events and challenges over the past two years, including the Pathway 24-hour Bat-a-thon.
In 2026, Blues for Bakes expanded into a full weekend, with Worcestershire Rapids hosting Middlesex at New Road and grassroots clubs joining in across the county.
The weekend concluded at the JB33 Oval with a match between Worcestershire Women’s Rapids and Kent Women.
Plans are already underway for next year’s Blue for Bakes Weekend.
The foundation is also working to strengthen partnerships with clubs across Worcestershire, the Cotswold Hills League and beyond.
Josh's parents Lisa and Paul thanked everyone who has supported it since its founding.
They said: "Reaching £100,000 is a huge milestone, but for us it is not the destination.
"It gives us the opportunity to do more, to support more young cricketers, help more families, work with more clubs and continue the work Josh was so passionate about.
"We would also like to give a special thank you to our patron and trustees. Their support during the difficult days, together with their expertise, ideas and commitment to helping us take the Foundation forward, has been invaluable.
"Thank you to everyone who has helped us get this far. We are incredibly grateful, and we are excited about what we can achieve together next."
Over the next year, the Foundation plans to expand its support network for families, continue working with the Worcestershire Pathway and Worcestershire Cricket Foundation, and promote emergency preparedness and defibrillator awareness within cricket clubs.
The JB33 Foundation is also developing its 2027 fundraising programme and encouraging supporters to take part in some of the UK’s biggest running events.
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