A CHARITY run in memory of a Worcester student killed in a terror attack is open for participants.
Joel Richards, his uncle Ade and Grandfather Pat, were all killed during the June 2015 terrorist attack in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, and on the weekend of September 5, runners, walkers and cyclists will be out raising money for Smile for Joel, a charity which helps homicide victims.
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The Run for Joel race marks the fifth anniversary of the horrific day and is open to all ages with participants choosing to run, walk or cycle their preferred distance of 5K or 3K.
To ensure everyone’s safety, this year’s race has been modified so that people will take part from their own homes instead of en masse as it has been in previous years.
All proceeds raised will go to support the work of Smile for Joel. Set up by Suzy and Owen Richards, Joel’s mother and younger brother, Smile for Joel is dedicated to helping families who are victims of traumatic bereavement. The charity gives direct support, including counselling, respite and financial assistance for those impacted by their loss.
Mrs Richards said: “Run for Joel is an amazing event that I know he would love. He was so passionate about sport and was himself a promising football referee as well as being a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
“It’s just incredible to see friends, families and communities, up and down the country, come together to honour him and all the other victims; and to know that their efforts will support other families going through tragedy, making them feel loved and less alone in their grief.”
Entry costs £5 for adults and £2 for children, and everyone registered will receive a limited edition Runforjoel2020 wristband and running bib in the post.
Once registered, participants will decide where and when they will do their activity, sharing videos and pictures of their involvement, unified by their support for the #RunforJoel campaign.
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Among this year’s runners will be Leicester forward Marc Albrighton who has participated in the race for the past four years.
He said: “I’m honoured to be an ambassador for Smile for Joel and this is my fifth run with my family. The charity is so important to my family as my wife, Chloe lost her mom Sue Davey and Sue’s partner in the attack in 2015.
“With so many events being cancelled this year, it is great to know that we are still able to do Run for Joel albeit running from home.”
To register for #RunforJoel and for further information on all the work of Smile for Joel visit www.smileforjoel.com and follow on social media @smileforjoel
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