Joe Geeling
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Running for Joe
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| The trust fund ensures that Joe's memory lives on |
RUNNERS are being invited to go the distance in memory of Joe Geeling.
Lavender Hotels, which owns the Bolholt Country Park Hotel in Walshaw, is putting the finishing touches to a fun run which will take place on Sunday, June 8.
The Joe Geeling 5 Mile Run has been sponsored by Ramsbottom Kitchens with all proceeds benefiting the Joe Geeling Trust.
In March 2006, 11-year-old Joe, who had been battling the life-threatening disease Cystic Fibrosis, was stabbed to death by fellow St Gabriel's RC High School pupil Michael Hamer. Hamer was subsequently sentenced to life in prison.
As a result of the overwhelming support from the public in Bury and around the world, Joe's parents, Tom and Gwen launched the Joe Geeling Trust Fund. Its aim is to raise money for both the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Booth Hall Children's Hospital - two charity organisations close to the hearts of the Geeling family.
Since then more than £150,000 has been raised for the fund thanks to a series of charity events, including a sponsored dog walk organised by Bury canine expert, Gordon Salmon, and a Shining Start Ball at Manchester's Midland Hotel. Now, Lavender Hotels have pledged their support to the Joe Geeling Trust by staging their annual fun run in memory of the youngster.
Simon Doughty, Operations Director at Lavender Hotels said: "Joe's tragic death was felt by everyone, not just here in Bury but by the public across the country and overseas. My own daughter attended St Gabriel's and knew Joe well.
"Despite their unimaginable loss, Joe's parents, Tom and Gwen, set up a trust fund in Joe's name and ensure their son did not die in vain. The trust supports very worthwhile charities and Lavender Hotels is very proud and honoured to organise this fun run in Joe's memory."
As well as prizes for the first male and female runners and for the first male and female juniors, all competitors will receive a finishing medal. A prize will also be awarded for the best fancy dress.
For those preferring a more relaxed way to remember Joe, the hotel has organised a whole host of attractions to keep them entertained before, during, and after the fun run. There will be a barbecue, a bouncy castle, a raffle and music.
The fun run starts at the hotel's Stables Fitness and Leisure club, off Walshaw Road, Bury, at 1pm.
Entry forms and the registration fee should be sent to: The Stables Fitness and Leisure Club, Walshaw Road, Bury, BL8 1PU. Entries will be accepted on the day of the run.
11:19am Wednesday 7th May 2008
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