Tunisia terror attacks: Joel Richards fun run sees more than 500 sign up

But with just two weeks to go before the Run for Joel takes places, organisers have urged people to put their best foot forward as they bid to top 1,000 participants.

The event on Sunday, September 11 has been organised by the Smile for Joel charity in partnership with Sandwell Leisure Trust and Victim Support.

Aspiring football referee Joel, 19, was murdered in Tunisia in June 2015, along with his grandfather Patrick Evans, 78, and 49-year-old uncle Adrian Evans, who was from Bilston and worked for Sandwell Council.

Joel's mother Suzy said: "We're primarily doing it to honour Joel's 21st Birthday (he would have turned 21 earlier this month on August 3) and this fun run is the first of our '21 Challenges for Joel' initiative.

"Everyone knows Joel would have been at the front of the queue to sign up and participate, so my message to the people of Sandwell and across the West Midlands is let's stand together as one and show our love for 31 British people that never came home from holiday."

Councillor Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, added: "This is a very fitting way to honour Joel and remember Patrick and Adrian too.

"The determination of Suzy and Owen to support others who've experienced similar, unimaginable tragedy is truly inspirational and I hope lots of people from across the region will support this event at Sandwell Valley Country Park and Run for Joel."

The run takes place at Sandwell Valley Country Park in West Bromwich.

It starts at 10am with a competitive 5km run, but there is also a more relaxed 3km run (or even a stroll) open to all ages and abilities.

To register and download a sponsorship form, visit https://www.slt-leisure.co.uk/run-for-joel/ Entries cost £10 for the 5km race, £6 for the 3km fun run for adults and children 12 and over, while under 12s can run for just £2 and under twos are free.

Alternatively, call 0207 268 0246/0223 during office hours to register.

There is also an option to set up a Justgiving page here.

For further details on the charity visit the Facebook page here, or email smileforjoel@aol.com