|
New family fun run to
remember Rhys Jones
A new family fun run, at Croxteth Park,
in memory of Liverpool youngster Rhys Jones, has been announced. 'Run For Rhys' takes place for the very
1st time in 4 weeks, on Sunday, 27
August 2017, which is just days after the 10th Anniversary of the youngsters' tragic
death.
Everton fan Rhys Jones was aged just 11 years old when his life was
devastatingly cut short, on 22 August 2007. Rhys was shot walking home from
football training in Croxteth, after innocently being caught in the cross fire
between 2 rival gangs.
The Jones family's heartbreaking story has recently been back in the spotlight
through the ITV drama series:- 'Little Boy Blue.'
The team behind the Rhys Jones Community Centre CIC in Croxteth feel the time is
now right to stage a legacy fun run to celebrate the Rhys' life while also
raising much needed funds to develop and continue the Centre's work. The event
has the support of the Rhys Jones family. Since the Centre 1st opened, in August 2013, it has firmly established itself
as a community hub and its main focus is to raise aspirations, give hope and
strengthen community unity in Croxteth. The Centre was re-launched in May as a
social enterprise, with the team hiring out its football pitches, multi use hall
and meeting rooms to raise funds to keep the doors open so it can continue to
deliver its community projects.
Ongoing programmes include:- youth work, music and literacy workshops, and holiday
activities. The Centre does not receive any funding support from Liverpool City
Council.
The management board and directors of the Rhys Jones Community Centre CIC are
working with Merseyside's leading independent race event organiser BTR Liverpool
to organise and deliver the fun run day. Karen Harper, a director of the Rhys Jones
Community Centre CIC, commented:- "August marks a decade since
the tragic loss of Rhys. The recent TV drama:- 'Little Boy Blue' has reignited the
memory of Rhys in everyone's minds, so we feel the time is right to organise a
legacy event in Rhys' name as a positive way to celebrate his life.
Rhys was a bright, caring young boy, who had a fantastic future ahead of him
which was so cruelly taken away. But with the help and support of BTR and the
Merseyside community, we are committed to bringing an inspirational initiative to
the Croxteth community who supported Rhys' parents Melanie and Stephen, and his
older brother Owen in their darkest hours. We are inviting the community to be
part of this very special day by taking part in the fun runs. Rhys would have
loved this idea as he was very sporty, so it will be a very special tribute to
his memory."
Fun run registration fees pay to stage and deliver all aspects of the event.
Participants are encouraged to fundraise for the Rhys Jones Community Centre CIC,
to support its important work and community initiatives. Sponsor forms are
available, or donations can be made direct to the Centre's:- 'Go Fund Me
Page.'
'Run For Rhys' will be held in the grounds of Croxteth Country Hall and Park, with
the start and finish line area being outside the main hall, with family
activities taking place in the grounds.
The 1 mile fun run will start at 10am, followed by the 3K at 11am, with the 5K
setting off, at midday. There is no lower age restriction to encourage
families to take part. Everyone taking part in the 5K, 3K or 1 mile will receive a specially designed
technical running T-shirt, which can be collected beforehand so it can be worn
for the run. All finishers will also receive a commemorative medal.
Registration costs are:-
₤16 for the 5K
₤14 for the 3K
₤12 for the 1 mile
Full details and online registration can be found
online.
|
