Hundreds to join 5K run for Cleobury Mortimer's Jack
A 5k run will be held around a south Shropshire town at night to raise money for a young boy fighting leukaemia.
Up to 200 runners will carry glow sticks around Cleobury Mortimer in support of five-year-old Jack Edwards.
Jack, who attends Cleobury Mortimer Primary School, was diagnosed with the disease when he was three.
He is currently at Birmingham Children's Hospital undergoing intensive chemotherapy after a recent relapse.
Friends of Jack's family have organised the glow run for the evening of January 29.
It comes after £10,000 was raised at a charity auction at Cleobury Mortimer Sports and Social Club on January 2, which saw local businesses donate lots from balloon rides to bed and breakfast.
Rachel Shields, a family friend who is also assistant practice manager at Ludlow's Portcullis Surgery, said friends and well wishers were organising a range of events to help Jack's cause and support his family.
She said the family is staying at Ronald MacDonald House accommodation next to the hospital as Jack's treatment is ongoing.
"It's a real community thing, nobody says no," Ms Shields said. "We have 1,000 people following the Facebook group.
"There is so much support from everybody and that's what we've found organising the glow run too.
"Cleobury Young Farmers' Club will marshal the route, Cleobury First Responders will be out on the night and all our printing is being done at cost price by local businesses Kolorkraft and Print Wow.
"There is a committee of six organising it – the glow run was my idea but interest in it kind of went mad so I thought I'd need some help."
The run will start from the social club on Love Lane at 7.30pm, with registration at 6.30pm. "It's £20 to register, which includes a T-shirt and glow sticks, and £5 of that also goes to Ronald MacDonald House charity," Ms Shields said.
The deadline to sign up for the run is Friday. The family has urged people to sign up to Anthony Nolan Trust's register to help save the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders.
Speaking on the charity's website after her son's relapse, Jack's mother Chrissie said: "Half my heart's broken and the other half is bursting with pride because my son is the bravest and most amazing son I could ever wish for."
To sign up for the glow run or for more information call Ms Shields on 07779 270451, or visit the Jack Edwards Journey page on Facebook.
