Runners Turn Out In Force at Joe’s Jog 2022

After a two year wait due the Covid pandemic, it was finally all systems go! for the return of Joe's Jog. The family fun run mile, which is now in its seventh year, took place before the Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k on Tuesday 7 June 2022.

The event attracted over 300 runners, with families and children of all ages enjoying the chance to be part of the Rothley 10k evening.

Joe's Jog 2022 raised a fantastic £1336 to support the ongoing work of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

The race was started by Matt Piper, BBC Radio Leicester's Football co-commentator and former LCFC and Sunderland player.

The first five runners to cross the line were: Harrison Hill
Freddie Blockley-Smith, (1st female home) Sian Evans, Jaxon Loik and Harry Barber.

Joe Humphries 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 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: "It was really uplifting to see the community return en masse to the first Joe's Jog family run mile since 2019. Thank you to all the runners for creating a brilliant atmosphere throughout from start to finish.

"Joe's Jog is a great way to commemorate Joe in his home village of Rothley and raise vital funds for the ongoing work of his Trust to save young lives.

None of this would have been possible without the support of forty 'Team Joe' volunteers who rallied to the cause and helped create a safe and enjoyable environment for all the participants."

To find out more about the Trust's work, 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

Source and image: The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust