During his tenure, former association president, Mike Burke, nominated Parkinson’s UK as his chosen charity for the association to support. Following a herculean fete last summer, when Mike completed the London to Brighton cycle ride, Matt Jones committed to running a race in in a show of solidarity and further support to the very worthy charity.

After a second bout of Covid, Matt was once again side lined and prevented from honouring his commitment, but on Sunday 7th May 2023 it was systems go! The AMHSA secretariat Team member took to the streets of Birmingham to take part in the Great Run 10K Race and honour his pledge.

Over 12,000 people took part in the event which featured both a half marathon and 10K run and also two junior events. Matt went out in the in the first (orange) wave and crossed the start line at 09:34. His first 5K was completed in just under 26 minutes at an average pace of 8 minutes 20 seconds per mile. Being his first proper official race Matt said “I just wanted to get round the course and I knew I was capable, but I was a little caught up with the other runners so my pace was even a little too quick for me”.

The second half of the race was run under a brightening sun and competitors felt the first warmth of May as they tackled the new course for 2023. Not deterred and surprisingly ,Matt’s second half of the race saw him pick up the pace further and complete the final 5k in a staggering 25 minutes 15 seconds completing the 10K in 51 minutes and 8 seconds.

Matt surprised himself by finishing in his inaugural race 8 minutes quicker than he had been anticipating. He added “that I had no idea about the pace out on the course, but knew I wanted to sprint the last hundred or so metres, crossing the line strongly”. “My main concern was getting round and raising a little more for the associations nominated charity, Parkinson’s UK, and fulfil my obligation to Mike Burke”.

Well done to Matt who finished the race in 506th position and also set a P.B.

If you would like to sponsor Matt it’s not too late and you can do so at the Just Giving page identified below.

Matt Jones is fundraising for Parkinson’s UK (justgiving.com)

We wish Matt well with his next endeavour. On Sunday 21st May he will be tackling the Hackney Half Marathon for newly elected president, Duncan Pointon’s chosen charity, who has nominated Alder Hey Children’s Hospital as the new beneficiary of the association’s charitable efforts. Good luck Matt and thanks to all who sponsor him.