Running to support Joe’s trust
NEARLY 250 runners raised more than £1,000 for charity by joining a mile-long fun run to support the work of a trust set up in memory of a Rothley teenager.
Now in its fourth year, Joe’s Jog, organised by the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT), took place before the Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k running event on Tuesday, June 13.
It drew a record 248 participants, with families and children of all ages enjoying the chance to be part of the Rothley 10k evening.
The race was opened by Leicester City Football Club legend Alan Birchenall, who sounded the horn to start the race.
Joe’s Jog was won by Ryan Elston, aged 14, from Mountsorrel, who completed the course in five minutes, 18 seconds.
Second place went to 12-year-old Sean McCann, of Rothley, and third place was bagged by Samuel Pilbeam.
First female to cross the line was 13-year-old Elodie Marsh, from Thurcaston, who scored a time of five minutes 50 seconds.
Joe Humphries was 14 when he collapsed and died suddenly while out jogging near his Rothley home.
He was a victim of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome – a heart condition which can strike anyone at any time.
Since Joe’s death, his family and friends set up the JHMT to provide free CPR training in schools, sports clubs and community groups, help fund community defibrillators and campaign for better understanding of SADS.
The charity also runs the Inspire Awards, a small grants scheme that helps inspiring young people to fulfill their potential.
Steve Humphries, chair of the JHMT, said: “This was, as ever, a fantastic event for families to run together over the mile distance, and we were blown away by the numbers – we had nearly double the number of runners we had last year.
“We raised £1,100 towards the work of the trust, which is a wonderful tribute to Joe.”
For more details on the trust, visit www.jhmt.org.uk