A CHESTER man went the extra mile on Saturday when running multiple laps of the City Walls in memory of three much-loved and much-missed people.
John Jennings aimed to run 32 miles in memory of his daughter Michelle Jennings, his niece Rebecca Coriam, and Alec Brown, a close friend of his lifelong friend William Hughes.
John Jennings after completing 34.5 miles with good friend William (Mick) Hughes. Pictures: Jeff Price.
The weather was warm on the morning of the challenge, with John setting off at 4am, but not too stifling, and that allowed John to go further than planned – completing a grand total of 34.5 miles by the end.
Proceeds from his fundraiser, which have already gathered more than £5,000, will be donated to the charities MIND and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
The event took place on Michelle's birthday, with John wearing a photo of his daughter throughout on his running top.
John Jennings after completing 34.5 miles, with the photo of his much-missed daughter Michelle Jennings. Pictures: Jeff Price.
Michelle sadly lost her fight with mental health on October 3, 2020.
Speaking before the event, John said: "The pain of losing her will never, ever go away but I'm learning to live without her being here day by day. It helps me to keep posting pictures of her, to keep her memory alive.
"Time doesn't heal, and as the years tick on it just means you miss them more and that more time has passed without seeing them or giving them a hug. I miss you, Michelle, with all of my heart and I know you'll be with me every step of the way on Saturday xx"
John Jennings after completing 34.5 miles at Alexander's bar. Pictures: Jeff Price.
John also ran in memory of his niece, Rebecca Coriam, who went missing at sea from the Disney Wonder ship on March 22, 2011, never to be found. He wrote on the Justgiving page: "My sister, Ann, brother in law, Mike, and niece, Rachael, have been a tower of strength going through the heartbreaking time of trying to find their daughter, and what happened to her, but still there aren't any answers."
The third person John ran in memory of is Alec Brown, who sadly passed away from cancer and had been cared for at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd. John said: "I never had the pleasure of meeting Alec, but being such a great friend of William's I'm sure he's one of life's best."
The run follows a series of fundraising events which have included events at the Bridge Inn, Tarvin Road, a charity auction, charity fishing matches and raffles at ladies lunches.
John Jennings and friends join together for the ultra marathon. Pictures: Jeff Price.
John would like to thank all the sponsors who have helped to raise thousands of pounds and support him in his challenge: Grosvenor St Investments, Wynnstay Joinery, Nichols & Co, Riqueza Group, Matt FinishvKitchen Repraying, Chester Sports Massage, Chelma Graphics, Chester Cosmetic & Dental Care, Matthews Block Management, Hoole Bridge Building Supplies, Byrne's Auctioneers & Valuers, Jayne Clarke Lettings and Property Management, Humphreys Estate & Letting Agents, The Moorings, Blackwell's Stonecraft, AEclipse Auto Enrolment Consultancy, Bridge Inn, Jax, Aligned Health Clinics, Chester Tackle Locker, Abbey Student Rentals, Changing Home, Graham Walker Prestige Cars, KH Aesthetics, Natasha's Dog Grooming, Abacus and Chester's Dee Radio.
Once funds have been totalised, a presentation will be made to MIND and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd at Jax at the end of August.
People can still donate to John's challenge at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jennings-michelle1
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