Tom Dunn, a 27-year-old cricketer from Bethnal Green in east London, has reportedly broken the Guinness World Record for the longest bowling run-up while raising an impressive £5,000 for Mind UK. Dunn, who co-founded the Dell Boys Cricket Club with his friend Charlie Kitcat, embarked on a remarkable journey to raise funds for the mental health charity.
The Dell Boys Cricket Club was established four years ago, just before the UK entered a national lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, the club has thrived and become a source of support and camaraderie for its members. Dunn emphasized the importance of the club in bringing people together, fostering friendships, and promoting mental well-being.
In a bid to raise money for Mind UK, Dunn decided to undertake a unique fundraising challenge. He ran an astonishing 24.5km (15 miles) along the Thames path, passing iconic London landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben, and Battersea Power Station. This feat was in preparation for bowling the first ball at a match on Wandsworth Common for the DBCC.
Dunn’s fundraising efforts were met with overwhelming support from the community. He set up a JustGiving page and managed to raise over £2,300, with additional funds raised through a charity auction and raffle bringing the total to £5,000. The significance of supporting Mind UK resonated with Dunn, as he highlighted the importance of raising awareness about men’s mental health and the stigma surrounding it.
The co-founder of the Dell Boys Cricket Club expressed his belief that the club has played a vital role in strengthening friendships and providing a platform for open communication among its members. Dunn encouraged other groups of friends to consider starting similar initiatives, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on mental well-being and social connections.
Dunn’s remarkable achievement in breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest bowling run-up, surpassing the previous record of 7.81km held by Brendan Ingle from Australia, is currently undergoing verification by Guinness World Records. His dedication to both cricket and charitable causes serves as an inspiration to others, showcasing the power of sports in promoting mental health awareness and community support.