A Chester father who last year raised thousands of pounds by lapping the City Walls will be putting on his running shoes again this year in memory of his daughter.
John Jennings clocked up 34.5 miles around the City Walls in the hat in June last year, as he collected funds in memory of his daughter Michelle Jennings. Proceeds went to charities MIND and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
Now John is preparing for another long-distance challenge, this time doing 30 laps of Chester's historic Rows, a distance of about 30 miles, on Saturday, October 5.
Michelle sadly took her own life in October 2020, after struggling for years with her mental health. This year, John will be raising funds for suicide prevention charity, The Martin Gallier Project, which opened a Chester base in St Werburgh Street last year.
John Jennings after completing 34.5 miles, with the photo of his much-missed daughter Michelle Jennings. Pictures: Jeff Price.
John will also continue to collect funds for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, which looked after his good friend Dave Gamble.
John said of his daughter: "Michelle growing up was always the most beautiful baby, always full of life and had all sorts of plans as she was growing up.
"She would always come to work with me and was a great little worker. She was also an excellent runner, footballer and netball player. She loved sports and excelled in everything she did.
"All this is what I try to remember, the happy times. We did some great runs together. I miss her every minute of every day.
"It will be four years on the day of my run and I miss her more than the day she left us; my broken heart will never mend. I know this now, I am learning to live with it.
"I post pictures and play music and plan runs like tis and raise money for a good cause – to help others similar to Michelle.
Michelle Jennings.
"I miss Michelle with all my heart and I just know she will be with me every step of my run in her memory."
The run will start early on October 5, at 4.30am, and anyone wishing to join John on the day and run a lap will not only be showing their support, they will receive a medal with Michelle's picture on.
The route will go from the Eastgate Clock on to the Rows, clockwise towards the Cross and following the Rows back towards the clock. In total, John will be climbing over 5,000 steps.
John is also seeking the support of as many Rows businesses for the charity challenge. Those who do show their backing will have banners along the Rows and be highlighted in an upcoming thank you presentation night.
- If you would like to donate or help, contact John on 07801 107106.
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