Crook’s performances have the potential to change a life

It is not often a player’s success on the field can be life changing off it.
Steven CrookSteven Crook
Steven Crook

That is the case for Northamptonshire all-rounder Steve Crook, though.

While his form with bat and ball has already helped his side to strong performances in the LV= County Championship and the NatWest T20 Blast, it is also raising money for a very good cause.

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Crook is taking part in Runs4Funds which is helping to provide help for a severely disabled boy.

Lewis Herbert is a 12-year-old from Northampton who suffers from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a form of epilepsy which causes him to fit several times a day.

His family set up the ‘A Life for Lewis’ appeal in a bid to give their son everything he needs

And Crook is only too happy to help – as is a former Northamptonshire and England off-spinner.

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“It’s really exciting for me to be involved,” Crook explained.

“Gary (Lewis’ Dad) got in touch over the winter and we got our heads together to try to think of a different way to raise some money.

“We came up with Runs4Funds where people could sponsor me based on performances for the club.

“There are so many different ways people can contribute and the response has been really good.

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“For example, Graeme Swann is backing me for £1 a run and £10 a wicket which is really generous.

“Others have said they will donate if I get a hundred or things like that.

“It’s such a great cause and we think it’s a pretty cool way to donate.

“They are a great family and hopefully this will give Lewis a better life.

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“He wants a sensory garden and I think he needs a new chair and if I can help that’s great.

“You obviously don’t need extra motivation when you go out to play but it does inspire me.

“Against Lancashire I got out for 90-odd and I was gutted. I kept thinking about those people who would have given money if I had made a hundred.

“Thankfully I made up for it in the second innings.

“If I can score some runs and take some wickets and make life better for Lewis in the process then that is a pretty good thing to be able to do.”

Anyone who is interested in sponsoring Steven can get more information at the website www.runs4funds.org.