Runner’s 22k in memory of tragic 22
AWOMAN from Castleton ran 22km to raise money for charities set up in honour of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing - which happened on May 22, 2017.
Janice Whitelegge, 44, is a keen runner, who is a member of Hive22, a running group set up by a police officer who was there that night in memory of those killed in the bombing.
The money raised will be split between six charities founded by the families of some of the victims of the arena bombing Liv’s Trust, Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust, Eilidh’s Trust, The Megan Hurley Foundation, The Remembering Nell Foundation and 22Mcr.
Janice’s fundraiser has so far raised £1,031, smashing its £800 target.
She started the run from Broadway, Chadderton on August 22 and finished at Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough.
Janice said: “Everyone, whether directly or indirectly, was affected by the terrible event that happened at the arena and it is important that we never forget those that tragically lost their lives that evening or those impacted by the tragedy.
“Hive22 is an amazing running club that ensures that this doesn’t happen.
“During the current pandemic the club have been active in keeping the wellbeing of their members as a priority by encouraging them to get outdoors whether for a short run, long walk or mountain hike and I wanted to give something back to thank them; hence the 22km challenge in memory of the 22 lives sadly lost.”
Keela Walsh, 45, also from Castleton, explained: “We were friends before joining this group - we’d already met through another running group, the Castleton Ladies Harriers. We do park runs and other charity runs as well.
“We’ve split the 22km up into four legs with different members on different stages of the race, only six at a time for social distancing. Janice wanted to do it all around the number 22 - so she’s doing 22km, on the 22nd, and she wanted to raise £222 to start with.”
The group was set up by Aaron Lee who was a police officer on the night - but he’s now a firefighter who took up running to give back to those affected - he ran 22 10k races to raise money.
Founder of Hive22, Aaron Lee, said: “We are starting our week with a huge thank you to Janice Whitelegge who last weekend completed her 22km run and fundraiser in memory of those lost in the Manchester Arena attack and to raise money for our club charity pot.
“Janice has friends who were caught up in the arena that awful night and wanted to do her own fundraiser to support the club and what we try to achieve. We are all very proud of Janice and grateful to have our club filled with fantastic members like her.
“A special mention to Keela who helped hugely with the logistics of the run and to all the Hive22 runners that went along to support Janice at the various legs of her journey Karen, Carolyn, Julie, Sabeena, Rebecca, Joanne and Keela. What a special day, Well done Janice!”