Chester father to run around Rows in memory of daughter this Saturday

John Jennings clocked up 34.5 miles around the City Walls in the heat in last June's fundraiser, 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 getting ready to take on another long-distance challenge. This time he will be doing 30 laps of Chester's historic Rows, a distance of about 30 miles, on Saturday, October 5.

Michelle Jennings.

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 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.

John Jennings after completing 34.5 miles last year, with the photo of his much-missed daughter Michelle Jennings. Pictures: Jeff Price.

"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.

"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 5am, and anyone wishing to join John on the day and run a lap or two 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.

Businesses and organisations which are supporting John Jennings in his Chester Rows running challenge.

John added: "I would like to thank everyone that's donated so far and to give a big shout out to the businesses for their massive support and donations."

Those showing their backing will have banners along the Rows and be highlighted in an upcoming thank you presentation night.

People who join John for part of the running challenge will receive a medal with a picture of Michelle Jennings on it.