Kings Langley gym's virtual marathon raises thousands for Motor Neurone Disease Association

JJK Fitness raised over £12,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, South Herts Branch
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A health and fitness facility in Kings Langley raised over £12,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, South Herts Branch, during a virtual marathon in December.

JJK Fitness launched JJK Giving Back - a non-profit part of the business which hosts events throughout the year for local charities - in 2019, and raised thousands during the pandemic with virtual fitness events.

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The gym chose to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association, South Herts Branch, to help raise funds for people affected by this disease and particularly David Davies who is a member of the gym and the South Herts branch.

Joe and David after the marathonJoe and David after the marathon
Joe and David after the marathon

On Saturday, December 19, they hosted ‘JJK Beat the Coach 2.0’, part two of a running event they held in the summer.

Joe Kelly, director of JJK ran a full marathon, and the members teamed up to run a variety of distances to total a marathon distance and try and beat Joe's individual time.

Over 150 members and non-members took part in teams totaling a marathon distance some on the track and some took to the streets - but no team managed to complete the marathon quicker than Joe who completed it in 2 hours and 59 minutes - so he still remains undefeated.

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Joe said: "JJK Giving Back events have humbled me in 2020, the efforts and money raised by the members are far beyond what I ever expected, and we are only just getting started.

DavidDavid
David

"Beat the coach mirrors the culture at JJK, there is ‘No I in Team’ and I could not have done it without the support of the organisers, members and of course David Davies. David has a very special place in my heart as a member, friend and now extended family.

"Beat the coach 2.0 was one of the toughest challenges mentally and physically for me, but Seeing David on the track kept me going.

"I can’t wait to do it all again in 2021 whether it’s virtually or all together we will continue to raise money for the local charities, particularly Motor Neurone Disease south Herts branch for David in April this year for Beat the Coach 3.0."

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David and his wife Kim joined Joe at the track to support and even David took to the track with walking poles and his wheelchair to complete his teams distance.

David said: "JJK’s Beat the Coach 2.0 was an incredibly successful Team effort which exceeded our wildest dreams regarding the money raised for MNDA South Herts Branch.

"All the more impressive given the COVID rules JJK Fitness had to plan around and adhere to. Joe, supported by his brilliant Coaches and Staff, was unstoppable.

"On the day I was humbled by the level of kindness and generosity shown by so many JJK Members, Friends and Family. It was a truly great occasion and one I won’t forget."

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Motor Neurone Disease Association, South Herts Branch, aims to provide the best possible support to local people with MND, their families, and carers.

The next fundraising event is JJK Fittest on the Field on March 27, a track and field event for members and non-members to enter teams and compete against each other in a fun, safe environment.

To register your interest email [email protected].

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