THE memory of a Blackbrook rugby player who died in a road tragedy on Boxing Day was honoured during a 10k run.

Jordan 'Jordy' Welsby tragically died aged 26 after he was involved in the road tragedy on Prescot Road at about 11pm on Boxing Day night, December 26.

The run, which took place on Tuesday, was dedicated to Jordy's memory and was one of Dan Hodges' daily 10k treks which he is taking on throughout the whole of January in aid of the Standing Tall Foundation, of which he is a trustee.

Launched by veteran Andy Reid last year, the organisation offers mental health support to NHS and care home staff.

Dan was joined by an ex-Blackbrook teammate of Jordy's, Sean Richardson, formerly Leigh Centurions.

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Both Dan and Sean wore a custom-made Blackbrook Royals rugby top on the run, plugging the Go-Fund Page which has been set up for the challenge.

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"The run was for Jordy Welsby, I teamed up with a family friend of his," said Dan, 29.

Dan is nearly halfway through his challenge which will see him run more than 300,000 kilometres during January.

"As I typically try to partake in Dry January, I decided to push myself that little bit further and go for a run every day; more specifically a 10km run every day, of course raising funds and awareness for The Standing Tall Foundation," he said.

"When I thought about this challenge, I thought to myself, January is typically a month everyone wants to try and get fit and healthy with the mantra 'New Year, New Start' on top of the government locking us down for the 3rd time. So I figured it was a no brainer to extend the challenge to other people, having a different person run a 10k with me each day.

"The response for this has been overwhelming. The community spirit and commitment within the town has been phenomenal, we have running with us personalities the likes of which; the late Ste Prescott’s son, Taylor Prescott, former semi-pro footballer, Paul Watson, ex-pro boxer and MMA fighter, Rob Beech, former Salford and Warrington Super League player, Sean Kenny amongst many more local legends all jumping on the challenge, which makes each run different, as running is a mental challenge as well as a physical, and having different characters run with you each day makes it that little bit easier to stay focused.

"The colonel Andy Reid is also going to be cycling alongside me on the final run, on January 31 to see me through to the finish, which is a remarkable feat in itself."

In addition to former sports stars, and athletic personalities there will be a few people who have never even ran a 10k before, which makes the challenge even more inspiring including ArcOFrame boss, Charlie Richards, who will be undertaking his first ever 10km January 29.

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Sean Kenny and Andy Reid

Dan, from Eccleston, will also be running with Steve Prescott's brother, Neil for today's 10k (Thursday).