Running as ONE to help JHMT Raise Awareness & Save Young Heartbeats
Posted: Thu, 16 Jun 2016
The run was held to support the work of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT), and took place in Joe's home village of Rothley.
Joe's Jog, now in its third year, kicked off just before the Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k running event on Tuesday 14 June.
The inclusive and family-friendly fun run gave families and children aged seven and over the chance to be part of the Rothley 10k evening. It also raised awareness of the vital work of the JHMT.
First home was 13-year-old Ryan Elston, of Mountsorrel, in a cracking time of five minutes and 41 seconds.
Second was Cameron Harrison-White, 14, of Mountsorrel, in 5:59 and third was Angus Lloyd, 15, of Cropston, in 6:09.
Fourth place went to 14 year-old Samuel Pilbeam, of Rothley, in 6:12.
Joe's Jog started at 6.18pm. The precise start time was because this year would have seen Joe Humphries turn 18, so JHMT has launched GO18FORJOE, a campaign to encourage people to get involved with the charity by doing something based around the number 18.
Joe was 14 when he collapsed and died suddenly while out jogging near his Rothley home. He was a victim of SADS – sudden arrhythmic death syndrome – a heart condition which can strike anyone at any time, particularly otherwise fit and healthy young people.
Since Joe's death, his family and friends have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of SADS and sudden heart deaths. They set up the JHMT to provide free CPR training, 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: "Despite the rain, nothing could dampen the spirits of our runners and Joe's army of volunteers who helped to organise this event. We're tremendously grateful to everyone for their help and support.
"This annual fun run helps bring the community together in raising funds for JHMT's work to save young heartbeats."
A total of £800 was raised from Joe's Jog and will go towards JHMT's vital work.
To find out more about the Trust, to get involved as a volunteer, or to learn how to apply for the Inspire Awards or CPR training for your sports club, visit www.jhmt.org.uk