Castleton runner sets 22km challenge in honour of Manchester bomb victims

Janice Whitelegge, member of Hive22 Running Club

Janice Whitelegge from Castleton will be running an impressive 22km on Saturday 22 August in honour of Hive22 Running Club.

Hive22 Running Club was founded by Rochdale policeman turned firefighter, Aaron Parmar, three years ago following the Manchester Arena bombing on 22 May 2017. Aaron was a police officer at the arena on the night of the horrific terrorist attack, witnessing the physical and emotional devastation caused.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/128926/hive-22-running-club-created-in-memory-of-manchester-bombing-victims

The club raise money all year round through running and sporting activities and this May, on the third anniversary of the attack, Aaron presented six charities with a cheque following fundraising from Hive22 members throughout May 2019 - May 2020. 

£9,856.67 was equally distributed to six charities set up in memory of those who lost their lives: Liv’s Trust; Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust; Eilidh’s Trust; The Megan Hurley Foundation; The Remembering Nell Foundation and 22Mcr.

A member of the running club and wanting to remember and raise money for those affected by the tragedy, Janice initially aimed to raise £222 (referencing the 22 victims). At the time of publication, Janice has exceeded this, with a total of £672 raised so far.

Janice will start the run from Broadway, Chadderton on 22 August and finish at Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough.

She said: “Everyone, whether directly or indirectly, was affected by the terrible event that happened at the Arena and it is important that we never forget those that tragically lost their lives that evening or those impacted by the tragedy.

“Hive22 is an amazing running club that ensures that this doesn’t happen. During the current pandemic the club have been active in keeping the wellbeing of their members as a priority by encouraging them to get outdoors whether for a short run, long walk or mountain hike and I wanted to give something back to thank them; hence the 22km challenge in memory of the 22 lives sadly lost.

”If anyone would like to join me along the way or run the full 22km that would be amazing!”

Aaron Lee, founder of Hive22, said: “I would just like to say a huge thank you to Janice for doing this, we at the club are very proud of her for her efforts and can’t wait to see her across the finish line. Janice has raised an incredible amount of money and when members want to do their own fundraising for us it means a lot to the club, which ultimately benefits the six charities set up in the aftermath of the Manchester arena bombing.”

To donate to Janice’s cause, visit:

• www.gofundme.com/f/pc94b-hive22