Shropshire Star

Year of 5k runs help support legacy of kind-hearted 19-year-old

A year of five kilometre runs in memory of a kind-hearted 19-year-old has raised thousands for the charity set up in her name.

Published
Last updated

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

The efforts began in December 2023 when Shawbury resident Jamie Gordon decided to run five kilometres a day for the month.

His efforts were to raise money in memory of Charlotte Hope, a 19-year-old who was tragically killed by a dangerous drug-driver, for the charity created in her name - Lottie's Way.

Charlotte Hope

Following his first month of running, Charlotte's father Neil Hope, and Gary Simpson from Shawbury Joggers suggested extending the challenge and getting people to run five kilometres every day throughout 2024.

The challenge drew huge support, with members of Shawbury Joggers stepping up to the plate, along with friends and family of Charlotte to complete a month each.

Neil and Charlotte's mum, Helen, completed their own month of 5ks, while Jamie, 32, who had come to know Charlotte while they both worked at the Elephant & Castle in Shawbury, completed a second month of running before rounding off the efforts with a third month of 5ks for December 2024.

Jamie Gordon was joined by Neil Hope and members of Shawbury Joggers, including Elaine Williams Josh Mellor, Dee Bryson, Kath Osborn, Pamela Hardy, Tina Doxey, Louise Simpson, Heather Pitchford, Gary Simpson and Tony Kinchley, for the run.
Jamie Gordon was joined by Neil Hope and members of Shawbury Joggers, including Elaine Williams Josh Mellor, Dee Bryson, Kath Osborn, Pamela Hardy, Tina Doxey, Louise Simpson, Heather Pitchford, Gary Simpson and Tony Kinchley, for the run.

Jamie said he had been proud to complete the challenge and help raise money for the charity - having also been part of a trip to Africa earlier in 2024, where he saw first-hand how the money is being used.

So far the runners have helped raised more than £4,000 for the charity.

Jamie said: "I went to Kenya in February with Lottie's Way and the Taking Football to Africa appeal and seeing where the money goes directly was fantastic. Seeing what all the effort is for was absolutely eye-opening."

Jamie said that all those who had been taking part in the running challenges wanted to ensure that Charlotte's legacy continues.

He said: "She had a real zest for life. She was so caring and it is such a sad thing to happen but I am hoping with everyone rallying around and doing different things Charlotte's memory is kept alive, especially in the Elephant and Castle where she worked where they have already done a lot of fundraising."

Neil said they were incredibly thankful for the support of Charlotte's friends and family, and all those helping provide a legacy through the work of Lottie's Way.

Speaking after Jamie finished the final 5k Neil said: "He has been absolutely fantastic and he always does it with a smile on his face which is amazing."

Around 24 people have taken part over the course of 2024, including a serving member of the RAF who completed the challenge in the 40 degree heat of a posting in Oman.

Neil said: "The support is just a constant. In Shawbury they have done so much, and further beyond. But Shawbury, the community support is incredible - the Shawbury Joggers have done loads, the Elephant & castle has raised thousands - and they just keep doing it.

"It is amazing to us and shows what they thought of Charlotte, which means the world to us - and it keeps her legacy going so she wont be forgotten."