Team JET inspires at the GNR 2016
On 11th September 11 very inspirational individuals took part in the world’s biggest half marathon – the Great North Run (GNR) – to raise awareness and vital funds for JET, over £10,000 in total. Our team included Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff and impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw. All of our runners made it safely around the route and we’re so proud of them all. Jon Culshaw completed the course in a very respectable 3hr 5 minutes which even included a stop for a TV interview at the half way mark. Sir Stephen Hillier completed the course in 1hr 48 minutes and was interviewed as the Red Arrows completed their iconic flyover of the Tyne bridge, blazing trails as runners streamed past.
For a short time you can still see both interviews on BBC iPlayer. Scroll to 02:54:50 for Jon Culshaw and 03:44:04 for Sir Stephen.
Aside from our high profile runners, we asked other members of the team what running the GNR for JET had meant to them. Here are just a few quotes.
Harv Smyth “Having witnessed first-hand the amazingly positive impact JET has had on many young people, I am very passionate about supporting the Trust so that it can continue to expand and flourish in the future. Jon was a personal friend of mine: we flew Harriers together and also completed running events such as the Paras 10 to raise money for other charities. It’s fantastic to see his name living on through JET, especially as it is supporting the next generation – something I know Jon was very passionate about. I’m running the Lincoln half marathon on 2nd October so I’m hoping for a few last minute donations.” You can sponsor Harv via his Just Giving page.
Martin Smith “I left the RAF last November after 27 years and now work for NATS (National Air Traffic Control). During my service as an air traffic controller I worked closely with the Red Arrows and was also heavily involved with youth engagement activities so volunteering for JET was a natural thing to do. Also I see something of myself in the young people as I was in a difficult place at that age until I joined the RAF. Now a Safety Manager at NATS and with their support, I help out with JET inspirational outreach activities and Blue Skies and complete fundraising events throughout the year. I’ve got one more event to do this year – the Great South Run on 23rd October.”
Andrew Wright “It was superb to join the JET team for the GNR. The positive energy from everyone was really in keeping with the JET ethos; it gave me a real lift and helped me to get around the course, despite feeling shattered in the last two miles. I’m delighted with the generous support from my sponsors so far, but am really hoping that a few more people will help out as I look forward to running the Royal Parks Half for JET in October.”
Glen Heighton “An amazing day with Team JET, RAF personnel and a new group of friends! As Jon’s cousin, although I’m no runner, taking part for the Trust was awesome and a great honour, and thanks to the huge generosity of colleagues, friends and family I exceeded my fundraising expectations. I was pretty happy with my finishing time of 2:14.36 but there is plenty of room for improvement, hopefully the team will invite me back so I can beat it!”
David Bradshaw “The GNR was an absolutely wonderful event blessed with perfect weather and incredibly supportive, ever-present crowds. I was thrilled to be part of Team JET at this iconic event (at least until mile 9!). The opportunity to help young people have a better shot at realising their full potential was not to be missed – investing in our next generation will always pay dividends, both at individual and nation levels. Starting at the front of the GNR was a real privilege.”
Gareth Thomas “I beat my target time of 1:45:00, finishing in 1:43:55, so I’m pretty pleased. It was great to be part of Team JET and it’s superb that we had both Jon Culshaw and the Chief of the Air Staff on the team too – long may the high profile support continue. My highlight was finishing just ahead of M(rs) Farah and the massage at the end!”
If after reading these quotes you’ve been inspired to raise funds for JET by taking part in or holding your own fundraising event, then please contact us on info@joneggingtrust.org.uk as we’ll be only too thrilled to support you.
On behalf of everyone at JET we would like to say a massive thank you to all of our runners and to everybody who sponsored the team or shared a message of support.
Jon Culshaw with Martin Smith
