A Very Special Mile for Joe
Posted: Thu, 04 Jun 2015
Joe's Jog, now in its second year, will take place before the Mattoli Woods Rothley 10k running event, which takes place in the Leicestershire village on Tuesday 16 June.
The event will raise funds for the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT), which was set up to increase awareness of sudden heart deaths in young people.
Joe fell victim to SADS – sudden arrhythmic death syndrome – whilst out on a training run in his home village of Rothley in October 2012.
The fun run gives families and children aged seven and over the chance to be part of the Rothley 10k evening, as well as raising money for JHMT and LOROS.
More than 70 runners took part last year, including JHMT patron and rugby legend Martin Johnson, who ran with his family.
Steve Humphries, chair of JHMT, said: "We were really touched to see so many people joining together to support us last year, creating such a lovely atmosphere and a real feeling of community spirit.
"Afterwards, lots of families told us how glad they were that the annual village race now provides an ideal opportunity to bring both parents and children together to take part in physical activity and feel part of the village's established 10k race. So we're delighted to be bringing back Joe's Jog this year.
"Our aim is to establish Joe's Jog as a very special family fun run in Rothley village, open to all and in memory of Joe, for many more years to come."
Colin Favell, on behalf of Rothley 10k Race organisers Rothley & Soar Valley Lions Club and Mattioli Woods said: "We were delighted to see this addition to the well-established Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k race last year, and we're equally delighted to see it back again for 2015. We know how generous everyone who gets involved in this event is – giving their time and raising money for so many worthy causes – so it's excellent news that the JHMT will once again be represented by such an inclusive and family-friendly event."
First over the finish line at last year's Joe's Jog were 12-year-old Cameron Harrison-White in 6 mins 38, 11-year-old Ryan Elston in 6 mins 44 and 13-year-old Charlie Jagger in 6 mins 46.
Funds raised for the JHMT help go towards its vital work providing life-saving CPR training and defibrillators in city and county schools and for sports clubs. Thanks to the efforts of JHMT and fellow local charity Heartsafe, all secondary schools in Leicester and Leicestershire now have a donated defibrillator on their premises.
This is just one of the life-saving initiatives that makes up the work of the JHMT. The charity also campaigns for greater awareness of SADS amongst the general public, parents, young teenagers, medical staff and professionals working with young people.
And it funds and runs the Inspire Awards, a small grants scheme that helps young people to fulfill their potential in the fields of music, sports, creativity or entrepreneurship.
To take part in Joe's Jog, go to http://rothley10k.com/Joes-Jog.php
To find out more about the Trust's varied work, to get involved, or to learn how to apply for the Inspire Awards or Mini HeartStart training for your sports club, visit www.jhmt.org.uk
More information: http://rothley10k.com/Joes-Jog.php
