Ashton Sixth Form College student Jake Jackson was recently asked to attend the launch event of the Great Manchester Run.

Jake entered a competition which asked runners to send a picture of themselves and state why they were running, “I decided to sign-up and run in memory of my Nanna Brenda who passed away after suffering from a heart condition in 2006, shortly afterwards I was contacted and asked if I could attend the launch event with Fabrice Muamba (due to start the race) and other local supporters, I was really surprised”.

Organisers of the event, Nova international are hoping to recruit a fan from every team in the Football League to ‘Run for Muamba’ in their team shirts in a show of unity and celebration of his amazing recovery.

Jake currently plays hockey for the college team and Tameside Hockey Club, playing at least once a week and training for 5 days a week, Jake is currently running a minimum of 3 miles a day.

Jake will be raising money for The British Heart Foundation, here’s an excerpt from his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/jake-jackson/

The Story of my life…My Nanna was one of the first people to hold me when I was born. She was always there for me supporting me through my childhood, taking care of me. Treating me and spreading her free and valuable time with me, to be with me.  Now its my turn to return my love for my caring and loving Nanna. Im spending my free time Training and preparing myself for the Great Manchester 10K Run for the British Heart Foundation in memory of my Nanna who passed away of heart problems in 2006. I would like to raise as much money as possible for the British Heart Foundation because i want to show my love back to my Nanna for everything she did for me! She bought my first hockey stick for when i first joined Tameside Hawks Junior Hockey Club at the age of 7 years old and again she always spent her time watching me, watching me grow up and all i wish is to repay the favour and show my support to the British Heart Foundation and help the charity to save lives so people like me don’t lose their loved ones so soon like I have.

Please follow the link if you wish to donate.