Six-year-old Jackson will be one of the youngest participants in Sunday’s ‘If You Know Your History’ 5k run – and the passionate Evertonian has already raised more than £550 for Everton in the Community ahead of the event.
Jackson’s impressive fundraising efforts have seen him send video messages to friends and family highlighting why he was so eager to take part in the Everton-themed 5k. All money raised will go towards The People’s Place, EitC's campaign to build and develop a purpose-built mental health facility close to Goodison Park to support anyone in times of need.
The run will begin at Prince Rupert’s Lock-Up Tower - which sits at the heart of the Everton crest – and will take in a host of landmarks central to the Club’s storied history before finishing at Goodison Park.
Jackson will join Everton legends Joe Royle and Duncan Ferguson at the event’s start line.
>>>THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER. CLICK HERE TO TAKE PART IN THE IF YOU KNOW YOUR HISTORY 5K<<<
“Jackson really wanted to take part in this,” explained his mother, Lorna.
“Not just because he’s a massive Everton fan but also because he wants to help others.
“He loves superheroes and we’ve explained that by taking part in something like this he is being a bit like a superhero!
“Every time we tell him someone else has donated he is thrilled.
“Not only have family, friends and work colleagues donated, but his schoolfriends have, too. He’s definitely making an impact. We are so very proud of him.”
The event is open to all the family and welcomes both runners and walkers.
After setting off from the Lock-Up Tower, the route will pass the historic Everton Toffee Shop and the former Queen’s Head Hotel where, in November 1879, St Domingo’s FC became Everton Football Club.
Participants will then journey to the Sandon Pub on Oakfield Road - which became the Club’s second headquarters in 1884 – before passing into Stanley Park, where Everton first played in 1878, and moving towards Priory Road where the Blues were located for three seasons between 1881 and 1884.
Entry costs £20 and includes race participation, a commemorative T-shirt and finisher’s medal.
Competitors are encouraged to fundraise with all money going to The People’s Place, which will see EitC develop a delivery site for the charity’s existing mental health programmes and enable signposting to other services.
Anyone who raises more than £50 for The People’s Place will be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of Goodison Park stadium tour tickets or a signed Everton shirt.
You can set up your fundraising page today by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peoplesplace and clicking ‘start fundraising’.
Alternatively, support Jackson and donate to The People's Place project here.
Click here to enter the If You Know Your History 5k run.
