FAMILIES and young children are once again invited to join a charity mile-long fun run to support the work of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

Joe's Jog, now in its 8th year, will take place before the Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k running event which takes place in Rothley village on Tuesday 6 June at 6.15pm.

The inclusive and family-friendly fun run gives families and children aged seven and over the chance to be part of the Rothley 10k evening. It also raises awareness of the vital work of the JHMT.

Joe was 14 when he collapsed and died suddenly while out jogging near his Rothley home in October 2012. He was a victim of SADS – sudden arrhythmic death syndrome – an inherited heart condition which can strike anyone at any time, particularly otherwise fit and healthy young people under 35 years of age.

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: "It was really uplifting to see so many people of all ages and abilities turn out on masse last year when Joe's Jog returned following the Covid pandemic. We are really looking forward to another great turn out on Tuesday 6 June 2023.

"The event is perfect for everyone, from babies in buggies, to mums and dads and carers taking part with their children and friends. It's also good to see the fun run is so popular with local scouts and guides groups, junior sports clubs and schools. You can run, walk or jog but most importantly you just enjoy taking part! This event brings people together in memory of Joe and helps to raise vital funds for JHMT's ongoing work to reduce the incidence of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) in young people.

"We are also delighted that another dear friend and supporter of JHMT, Anthony Rowe, the former Leicester Riders player now Sky Sports commentator and wealth management consultant has accepted an invitation to come along and start the fun run this year."

The event will start at 6.15pm in Woodgate in Rothley. Advance entry costs £5 for adults and £4 for children. On-the-day entry costs £10 for adults and £6 for children.

The run is open to people of all ages and abilities, though juniors running without parental supervision need to be at least seven years old. Families are also welcome to run or walk the course with smaller children in buggies.

All funds raised from Joe's Jog will go towards JHMT's vital work to create a heart safe community for all.

To take part in Joe's Jog, enter online at: https://jhmt.org.uk/joes-jog

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

More information about the Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k is available at www.rothley10k.com