Worplesdon Man’s Epic 62-Mile Cricket Challenge for Charity
Worplesdon Cricketer Chases World Record Glory
Sam Bodoano, a Worplesdon resident just outside Guildford, is embarking on an extraordinary athletic journey that will test the limits of endurance and cricket tradition. Starting at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in north London at midnight on Saturday, Bodoano will undertake a gruelling 62-mile (100km) run whilst holding a regulation cricket ball and wearing full cricket whites—the official requirements for Guinness World Record recognition.
The challenge culminates at Valley End Cricket Club (VECC) in Woking, where Bodoano will deliver his first ball in a properly sanctioned cricket match at 2pm on Sunday. This isn’t simply a publicity stunt; the entire endeavour is raising vital funds for The Ruth Strauss Foundation, a cancer charity established by former England cricket captain Sir Andrew Strauss following the death of his wife Ruth from a rare lung cancer.
Bodoano, who regularly shares athletic challenges with his 30,000 social media followers under the handle @ironbodz, was inspired after witnessing the current record holder’s 15-mile achievement. “I thought, ‘I’ve got to give this a go,'” he explained. The pressure intensifies knowing his father will be the batsman facing him when he finally reaches the crease—adding a personal dimension to an already monumental undertaking.
Valley End Cricket Club and Community Support
Valley End Cricket Club in Woking has become central to this record attempt, providing the venue and infrastructure necessary for an official Guinness World Record recognition. The club’s backing demonstrates how local sports venues across Surrey—from Guildford to Woking, Dorking to East Horsley—serve as anchors for community endeavour and charitable initiatives.
The match will feature umpires and scorers officiating proceedings, with two full teams of eleven players participating. This commitment from VECC reflects the broader role that cricket clubs play in fostering community spirit and supporting charitable causes. Local supporters are encouraged to attend the match on Sunday afternoon to witness history whilst contributing to fundraising efforts.
The club has organised a raffle with contributed prizes to maximise fundraising potential, transforming what could have been an isolated athletic achievement into a community event. Spectators will have the unique opportunity to watch Bodoano deliver the first ball after his unprecedented 14-hour run, making VECC the focal point of this extraordinary Sunday. The combination of elite athletic performance and grassroots cricket community values reflects what makes local sports clubs invaluable to Surrey neighbourhoods.
The Ruth Strauss Foundation and Why This Matters
The Ruth Strauss Foundation represents the personal mission of Sir Andrew Strauss to combat a cancer that claimed his wife at just 46 years old. Ruth’s death left two young children without their mother, a tragedy that has driven Sir Andrew’s tireless work supporting research and awareness around rare lung cancers. Every pound raised through Bodoano’s challenge directly supports this vital work.
Local residents watching this event unfold should understand that cancer charities like The Ruth Strauss Foundation depend on innovative fundraising initiatives from community members willing to push physical boundaries. Unlike traditional fundraising—much like the way homeowners might invest in bathroom refurbishment or kitchen renovation projects for their properties—Bodoano is investing his body and determination in something that transcends personal benefit.
The previous record holder, Tom Dunn, managed 15 miles from Bethnal Green to Wandsworth Common in August 2024. Bodoano’s attempt to quadruple this distance represents genuine progression in the record books. Residents wanting to support this cause can attend the Valley End Cricket Club match on Sunday or donate directly to The Ruth Strauss Foundation. The event demonstrates how local individual initiative, combined with community venues and charitable purpose, creates meaningful change beyond Surrey’s neighbourhoods.
Source: Worplesdon man’s world record bid with 62 mile run-up to bowl cricket ball
