Cyclist Joe Guy remembered at charity fun run
Memories of a talented young cyclist were rekindled when his family and friends ran a sponsored mile around his local park.
Joe Guy's father Steve and brother Craig took part in the event which was organised by family friend and Paralympian gold medallist Mark Farnell and Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden.
Joe was a keen cyclist with a bright future when he died following a road accident while on a training run on May 31 last year.
At 16, he had already notched up numerous successes at both regional and national level.
His club Wolverhampton Wheelers set up an annual cycling event in his memory which has raised £14,000 so far for the Midlands Air Ambulance charity.
Mark Farnell, who won 25 medals for distance running between 1986 an 2004, had the idea of celebrating Joe with a running event, choosing a mile distance so that the less fit could also take part.
He said: "Saturday morning park runs have become a national thing but not everyone can do 5k. I thought a mile run was more achievable for people and a great way of remembering Joe.
"He must have been 11 when he came to my house and asked to see my medals. I remember him saying: 'I want one of those'."
Steve Guy, Joe's father, said: "I don't doubt that he would have done it. But he was modest about his achievements. His school had no idea about time-trial successes. He avoided the limelight and would have hated the thought of this today but it's great way for us to keep him in our thoughts."
Twenty-five runners and walkers shrugged off the wet, damp weather conditions to cover the route around East Park on Saturday(1). They included Trina Jones, Joe's teacher at Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Academy, and Mark Lewis the father of Matthew, Joe's friend who was cycling with him on the day he died. It is hoped to raise £600.
Pat McFadden, who ran the course with Mr Guy in nine minutes three seconds, said: "This was a good idea to hold an event in Joe's memory and at the same time hopefully to raise a bit more money for the Midlands Air Ambulance. It's been a great show of support for Joe's family."
To make a donation, go to midlandsairambulance.moregiving.co.uk
