Southend viral cricketer raising money for Macmillan

Martin Hughes, 54, had his team in stitches when he stood at the crease ready to bat - and realised he'd forgotten to put on his pads.

A video of the gaffe went viral and has amassed almost one million views on Twitter.

The clips shows the father-of-two look around and waits for the bowler much to the amusement of his teammates, who tell him to "look down" before he sheepishly scampers of the field to suit up with his pads.

Since that viral moment in June, Mr Hughes has been training to run from Chalkwell Park the home of Westcliff Cricket Club, wearing his cricket kit, in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

“I’m not a fame seeker,” he said.

“But I thought it would be nice to do some good of the back of the video.”

Running for charity - Image: Martin Hughes (Image: Image: Martin Hughes)

Mr Hughes in running in memory of his mother Christine Hughes, who died of cancer three years ago aged 79.

“She was a great supporter of Macmillan, and used to help out at their coffee mornings,” he explained.

“I wanted to give back in memory of her, to a charity close to my heart, and also inject a bit of fun into it by running in my cricket gear – minus the pads.”

At the crease - Image: Martin Hughes (Image: Image: Martin Hughes)

So far, Mr Hughes has raised almost £600 but aims to hit £1,000 before his run later this month.

Reflecting on the viral video, he added: “It was mad, the video was getting tens of thousands of views a minute.

“And now, whenever I play a match, some joker will ask me ‘got your pads today?’

In loving memory - With his mother Christine (Image: Image: Martin Hughes)

“I was umpiring a game the other day, and one of the fielders came over and had a cheeky dig, asking about my pads again.

“I’m quite enjoying it really, it’s a good laugh, and I’m certainly not going to be forgetting my kit again any time soon!”

 Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.

To donate to support Mr Hughe’s run, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-hughes56?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=martin-hughes56&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=16eeda0068184842a4f2d46c2523beff