Footballer Marc Albrighton backs Run for Joel fundraiser
Premier League footballer Marc Albrighton is backing this year's Smile for Joel charity event, which will see hundreds of people running at home to raise funds.
Run for Joel was due to take place at Sandwell Valley Park in West Bromwich next Sunday, but has had to be postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Instead, people are being urged to instead take part in Run for Joel Run From Home over next weekend, September 5 and 6.
It will raise money for the Smile for Joel charity, set up by Wednesbury mother and son Suzy Evans and Owen Richards after the death of three close family members.
Suzy’s son Joel Richards, aged 19, her brother Adrian Evans, and father Patrick Evans – Owen’s brother, uncle and grandfather – were all shot and killed in the Tunisia terror attacks of 2015.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the the attack and the launch of the Smile for Joel charity, which has raised £300,000 and supported more than 1,500 families.
Participants can either complete a 5km or 3km run, walk or cycle at home. To register for the event, it costs £5 for adults and £2 for children.
Everyone who registers will receive a limited edition Run for Joel 2020 wristband and running bib in the post. There will also be an online warm up available on the day.
Suzy 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.
Honoured
"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.”
Among this year's runners will be current Leicester City and former Aston Villa player Marc Albrighton, who has participated in the race for the last four years.
He said: "I am 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 still do Run for Joel albeit running from home.”
For more information about Smile for Joel, and to register for Run for Joel, visit smileforjoel.com
