Record runners rally to raise cash for Treetops
THE family of a baby who died when just 20 days old hope to have raised more than £3,000 in his memory through a charity run.
Jaxon James Henry, from Dresden, died of sudden infant death syndrome in January.
And yesterday, around 30 of those closest to him and his family donned special T-shirts bearing his picture to take part in The Donna Louise Children's Hospice's annual Treetops 10k event at Trentham Gardens.
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Becki Henry, of Ricardo Street, said she thought it was a great way to remember her son and thank the charity for its support.
The 33-year-old full-time mum, who has two other children, said: "Everyone wanted to do something in his memory, but we wanted to take part because we are still using Treetops for support and know they desperately need funding.
"We have raised around £2,000 already, but there are still a few of us to put our money in so we hope to raise at least £3,000."
Members of the Jaxon James group came from all over the country to support the run.
Becki's mum, 55-year-old Waitrose employee Barbara Hoare, came from Berkshire. She said: "I am helping to raise money from outside the Stoke-on-Trent area. Living so far away I know how important it was to have people looking after Becki and her husband."
The Donna Louise Children's Hospice looks after children with life-threatening conditions and their families, and is based at Trentham Lakes.
The Michelin-sponsored Treetops 10k is one of its biggest fund-raisers of the year and also incorporates a 5k family fun run. Around 720 people took part in the two events yesterday, smashing last year's record of 600 participants.
Among them were Stoke-on-Trent South MP Rob Flello and the city's Lord Mayor, Derek Capey.
Mr Flello, who only started training for the 10k event last week, said: "The Donna Louise Children's Hospice does fantastic work.
"I have been there a few times and have done all I can to help them since I was elected. This is another way to show my support for what they do."
Mr Capey, who walked the 5k course in an hour and 10 minutes, said: "Everyone has enjoyed themselves and I hope the charity raises an awful lot of money because they need it."
First to cross the finish line was 14-year-old Alex Gibson, who took part in the 5k event.
The Alsager School Pupil from Rode Heath was surprised to come first because he is not a serious runner. He said: "I have never ran in my life. I'm really pleased to come first."
For the second year in a row, Penkhull runner Darren Perry came out top in the 10k run.
The 37-year-old member of Staffs Moorlands Running Club, who lives in Penkhull New Road, said: "It was good to come back and do it again.
"I did it in around 34 minutes and 50 seconds, which is a couple of minutes quicker than last year. I'm pleased."
To celebrate the charity's 10th anniversary this year, people were encouraged to enter the races wearing fancy dress. Gail Green, of The Sonnet, Cheadle, was part of a group who dressed up as princesses.
The self-employed hairdresser, aged 42, said: "I have got four kids and I'm lucky they're all healthy. This event helps to bring it all home." Her eight-year-old daughter Georgia added: "I wanted to take part so I could get healthy."
Delivery driver Darren Federici took to the course wearing a clown's outfit with his stepson, Owen Bramley.
The 47-year-old, of Mayfair Avenue, Ipstones, said: "Owen has raised around £60 at the moment with some more still to come in, while I have raised £34."
Prizes were given out to race winners and those with the best fancy dress.
Everyone who took part was given a medal and a T-shirt.
Fund-raising manager Sylvia Pearl said: "During these difficult times, we need everyone to continue to be behind us and new people to get behind us."
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