103-year-old Newmarket care home resident Betty returns to cricket to support fundraiser

A 103-year-old former cricket player was ‘bowled over’ with delight when her care home organised for her to play cricket to help raise funds for a dementia charity.

Care UK’s Kentford Manor, on Jeddah Way, pulled out all the stops for resident Elizabeth Milner when they discovered her passion for cricket and heard about a local cricketer's fundraiser for Alzheimer's Research UK.

 

Elizabeth, known as “Betty”, defied the expectations of her time and pursued her passion for cricket as a youngster, despite her mother’s disapproval. She would secretly borrow cricket boots from her older brothers, who also played, just for the chance to take the field.

During her time in the Land Army in World War II, Betty continued to play cricket, not just for fun, but for a purpose. Matches were organised to raise money to buy wool, which women then used to knit warm clothing, scarves, and socks for soldiers fighting in the war. For Betty, cricket was both a joy and a way to give back.

When the team at Kentford Manor learned about 15-year-old Anders Bester, a passionate young cricketer from Culford School in Bury St. Edmunds, and his fundraiser, they knew they had to connect him with Betty for a special event. Motivated by his love for the game and a commitment to a worthy cause, Anders has pledged to donate five pence for every run he scores and 50 pence for every wicket he takes this season to support Alzheimer's Research UK.

When Anders visited Betty, the two bonded instantly over their shared love for the sport. They spoke about matches, and how equipment and protection have evolved over the decades, and Betty bowled Anders a few bowls as part of his fundraiser. Anders’ fundraiser will come to a close on 2^nd July when the cricket season ends. 

Commenting on the day, Betty said: “Playing cricket brought back a lot of memories! I never thought I’d be holding a bat again at this age. It felt surprisingly natural, like my hands remembered what to do. There’s a joy in swinging a bat that doesn’t go away—even after all these years. 

“Anders was so lovely—kind, patient, and full of energy and what’s more, a very handsome young man. It was like stepping back into a much younger version of myself for a little while. We had such a good laugh. 

“I’ve seen friends and family live with dementia, and it’s a heartbreaking thing. To know that just by picking up a bat and sharing a moment, I’ve helped raise awareness—even in a small way—means a great deal. At 103, to still be part of something that gives hope to others, well… that’s very special.”

Kat Rayment, General Manager at Kentford Manor, added: “Everything we do centres around supporting residents to live fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to find new and exciting ways to enable residents to enjoy the things they love.

“When the team heard about Anders’ fundraiser and that he wanted to come to Kentford Manor, we knew we had to unite him with Betty. It was such a memorable and emotional day, and Betty’s face lit up with joy as she was reunited with her former passion and held a cricket bat and ball once again! 

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Anders for making Betty’s day, and we want to wish him all the best with his fundraising efforts.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Kentford Manor incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. The building has been configured into a number of suites to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.