Ex-City star joins charity space race
for Jump Space, the trampoline and soft play centre for disabled children and young people in the town centre.
Paul and Jo’s son Ed, 11, has Asperger syndrome – a type of autism – and they have found the ‘non-judgmental’ environment provided by Jump Space to be of huge benefit to their family.
Paul, who was forced to retire from football at the age of 27, had a knee replacement last year.
Jo, 44, who is the fundraising manager at Jump Space, said: “When Ed was younger he wasn’t great with competitive sports so we were looking for somewhere he could keep fit and have fun without things being so competi- tive. The great thing about Jump Space is it has trained staff who are used to dealing with any situation or disability - we were just blown over by the place.
“Ed’s eight-year-old sister, Hannah, comes along too. We believe everyone should integrate we are big advocates of what Jump Space does.
“The fact Ed and Hannah can enjoy recreation together is great, it’s how it should be, there’s no segregation at all. They can come here to chill out and keep fit – it’s a proper family orientated charity.”
Jo and Paul, who is a patron at the charity, collected money for Jump Space at last month’s Manchester Marathon and Jo says the event has been a ‘huge inspiration’ ahead of their own challenge.
Jo said: “We’re both in training at the moment, pounding the streets in Davenport and Bramhall.
“We already had some absolutely fabulous donations, including £500 from our sponsors, Music Magpie.
“Paul had his knee replaced before Christmas. He is only 46 but the pain got so bad he thought enough is enough.
“So on one hand it’s about raising money for Jump Space but it’s also a test for Paul physically, it’s a bit of a milestone for him. It will be more of a fast walk – we do go for it , but I don’t think Paul is up for running just yet.
“Jump Space is only a small charity which is why the donations mean so much to us, as they go directly to the day-to-day running of the centre.”
To sponsor Paul and Jo ahead of their 10K challenge visit justgiving.com/ PaulJoLake/.