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An athlete whose life was tragically cut short when he collapsed and died while playing football will be remembered by 200 runners tomorrow in a 10km charity marathon now celebrating its tenth year.
The annual Jayson Lee 10k Memorial Run, which has so far raised £40,000 for Jersey Hospice Care, will start tomorrow at 09:00 from FB Fields in St Clement.
The race first took place in August 2009, just a few months after Jayson died at the age of 38 while playing football for St. John's. His brother, Brenton Lee, wanted to do something in his memory, as Jayson loved sports.
He explained: "The event came about as I wanted to do something in memory of my brother. Jayson was a keen athlete and was always encouraging everyone to have a go and try something new. A 10k run is achievable and we encourage all standards to come along and join us in a sociable atmosphere, and receive a medal and a friendly smile at the finish."
The family opted for a 10K run, featuring a route with great significance to them. It starts at FB Fields where Jayson played his last football match. It also passes Jayson's house along the coast road, his final resting place at St. Clement’s Church, and Le Rocquier, where Jayson went to school, before finishing back at FB fields. Margaret Lee, Jayson's mother, told Express: "It means something for people talking part."
Pictured: The 10K start and end at FB Fields, where Jayson played his last game.
The event always takes place near the end of August as Jayson's birthday was on the 25th of the month. It has now become a firm fixture in the running calendar and helped raise £40,000 for Jersey Hospice Care. A friend of Jayson and Brenton, with whom Jayson had cycled and raced with, passed away at the Hospice. At the time, Jayson and Brenton had said that if they ever needed to do something, it should be for Jersey Hospice.
"It is a local charity. As a family we support them. You never know when you might need it," Margaret explained.
Emelita Robbins, Chief Executive at Jersey Hospice Care, thanked the Lee family for putting on the event in memory of Jayson for Jersey Hospice Care once again. She added: "It’s a really popular event within the running community, but also attracts lots of “non-runners” who want to remember Jayson and support his chosen charity.’
Pictured: The Jayson Lee 10K Memorial Run has raised £40,000 for Jersey Hospice Care.
As Jayson was a detective constable, the Police provides the perpetual trophy for the overall winner, which can only be won by someone once. A number of police officers also take part on the day.
Jayson's family also receives support from Mark Pickford’s Cycle Shop for the event. "He has been with us right from the beginning," says Margaret. This year Mitchell Building Contractors offered sponsorship, allowing tee shirts to be printed for the first time to mark the tenth anniversary.
"Everyone that crosses the finish line will get one," Margaret said. "It will make the race just a little bit extra special."
"There is a very close link around the run. We are quite proud of it. It's an independent run and all those supporters and the runners have helped make it a success. We didn't expect it would take off like this. People have helped make it what it is," she added.
Trophies will also be handed out for the first ten male and female runners and medals to all finishers. There will also be spot prizes to be won. Teas, coffee and Margaret's homemade cakes will be available at the clubhouse after the run, with all proceeds going to Jersey Hospice Care.
While some runners have registered in advance for the run - some have been returning year after year - the Lee family still accepts registrations on the day. Margaret recommends coming down to FB Fields at 08:15 to allow plenty time for the form to be filled in and the £10 entry fee to be paid.
"There is a nice friendly atmosphere," says Margaret. "It is not sad, it is not depressing. It's a family atmosphere and anyone is welcome to join, whether they run or walk the 10k, and have a slice of cake afterwards!"
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