Joe-Humphries-Memorial-Trust-Marathon

Liz Donaghy Runs For Joe Humphries Memorial Trust

Some of you may or may not know that I am attempting to run the London Marathon next month (I can hear you laughing and I’m not doing it in fancy dress!!). I was entered to run the race last year but unfortunately, I got an injury a few weeks before race day and had to roll my place over to 2015. Now i’m doing it this year for Joe Humphries.

Well, with just over 5 weeks to go, it is all now becoming very real and a little bit scary. The miles have been stacking up and I am running out of places in Leicestershire to run. To make all the training worthwhile, I am trying to raise as much money as I can for a charity called ‘The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust’ ( I have written more about Joe’s story at the bottom of this email). Thank you to those people who sponsored me last year, your money has already gone to the trust towards this year’s sponsorship.

The trust aim is to:

• promote research into, and awareness of, sudden unexpected death in young people.
• promote education and training for young people and those who live and work with young people, into how to react to unexpected life-threatening situations.
• inspire young people to fulfil their potential and develop their talents.

Joe’s Story

On Thursday evening 4th October 2012, a knock on the door changed all our lives forever. Our dear beloved, Joe (14 years old), son and brother, collapsed whilst jogging within 2 minutes of our home.

The tragedy of losing our fit, healthy, vibrant and fun-loving Joe was made all the harder to bear when we found the very next day that 12 fit and healthy young people die every week across the UK, with no prior symptoms or warning. This staggering, unacceptable statistic has inspired close family members and friends to set up ‘The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust so that Joe will not just become another statistic. We have to stop this now and keep his name and what he stood for, along with what he would have become alive.

The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust will:

• promote research into, and awareness of, sudden unexpected death in young people.
• promote education and training for young people and those who live and work with young people, into how to react to unexpected life-threatening situations.
• inspire young people to fulfil their potential and develop their talents.

This is, without doubt, a most fitting tribute to such a gentle, loveable and humble giant who in his very short life has touched the hearts and minds of so many people across the community. Just an ordinary Joe, with an extraordinary talent and ability to reach out to people and who lived life to the full.

The Trust ‘s programme will include campaigns, events and activities which will enable everyone to play their part in keeping Joe’s goodness and legacy alive for generations to come.

It is very easy to underestimate the value of young life when you have never been directly affected by the loss of a fit, healthy and loveable young person.

Sadly we are just one of the many families who have.

Interested in supporting?

If anyone would like to sponsor me, you can donate on at Virgin Money Giving
I will also be taking donations after the event towards a set of new knees!!