Jimmy Cricket’s 70th birthday was a runaway success

Jimmy Cricket’s 70th Birthday 5k charity race

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There was plenty to celebrate at Cowm Reservoir, Rochdale on Sunday, when comedian Jimmy Cricket started a 5k charity race to coincide with his 70th birthday.

Over one hundred runners put their best foot forward and tackled two laps of the Whitworth landmark.

Local resident Jo Davies was determined to take part after she had been warned by her doctor her health was at risk if she didn’t lose weight.

Only four months ago Jo had struggled to jog 100 yards.

Spurred on by family and friends and fighting off a chest infection, Jo and friend Sam Young completed the run in 39 minutes.

Jo said: “I felt really proud when I crossed the finish line and for such an amazing cause. I really enjoyed the experience and the support was overwhelming. The training definitely helped and gave me the ability to pace myself. It felt amazing to complete the race.”

In April Jo started exercising and eating more healthily and has lost 32lb.

Through sponsorship from family and friends she raised £1,000 in sponsorship.

Legendary Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket, a long-standing supporter of Francis House Children’s Hospice, was approached by Rochdale based fundraiser Andy O’ Sullivan about the prospect of a birthday race.

Andy an experienced race fixer, has organised hundreds of charity runs with Rochdale Harriers athletics club over many years.

Andy said: “I bumped into Jimmy in Healey Dell last year and we got chatting about what he was up to. When he mentioned that his 70th was coming up I thought why not mark it with a specially arranged birthday race,

“It has been a wonderful community event and adding a junior race meant we attracted all ages. Whole families took part, mums, dads and their kids.”

After gathering at the Cock and Magpie pub in Whitworth, Jimmy and the runners, some from afar afield as Shropshire, made their way to the start line where he warmed up the crowd with music provided by Roch Valley Radio.

Jimmy said: “I was honoured the race was organised for my 70th birthday. It’s been a wonderful day and a great way to celebrate with the community and my many Rochdale friends. I am thrilled the event has raised funds for such a worthy cause as Francis House.”

The Rossendale 2nd Scout Band provided members to play at the event.

Karen Flower, from Francis House, said: “We’d like to thank Jimmy Cricket, Andy and everyone who helped make the race such a success. The atmosphere was fantastic and every single runner gave it their best.

"Particular thanks to Jo and her family and friends who also took part and raised such an incredible amount for the hospice.”

Runner John Hughes travelled from Blackburn to compete as well as meet his comedy hero. Originally from Jimmy’s home town of Cookstown, Northern Ireland, John said: “I’ve been a fan of Jimmy’s for years having watched him on the telly. I was here bright and early for the race and it was great to meet up with a fellow townsman.”

With race entry fees and proceeds from a raffle, a total of £1,625 was raised.

Jimmy has fundraised for Francis House with Swinton DJ Jim Nicholas and was recently awarded a Papal Knighthood from Pope Francis in recognition of charitable works.