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Newark boy asks social distancing is respected as he wraps up fundraising efforts

Friday, 29 May 2020 18:30

By Tia North X @TiaJourno

Local youth footballer, Josh Burkitt has asked that people do not try and meet him at the finishing line of his 'half-marathon a day' challenge, and to stay within social distancing guidlines.

16-year old Josh has been running 13.1 miles a day in an effort to raise funds for the NHS, and will be completing his challenge on Sunday, May 31. Although he is pleased that so many would like to come out and show their support, he would like to highlight that coming to watch him finish his run would be breaking the Government's social distancing guidelines. 

In a statement today, Josh said: "If you want to support me, please stay at home and support me. Please watch it live on Facebook on the Radio Newark Facebook page.

The reason behind this is because we don’t want anybody getting fined, breaking any lockdown rules that can lead to bad press and turning a really positive thing into something that’s negative. Please respect the current guidelines, as much as I want to have everybody in Newark out to celebrate with me, please stay at home and we’ll have a celebration when all of this is finished and we’re allowed to." 

He added: "To make your family proud and your town proud, it’s the best feeling, I can’t describe it to anyone. I’m really thankful to everyone who’s shown me support." 

Supporters asked to respect social distancing rules at the end of monthly challenge.

Earlier today, Matt caught up with Josh Burkitt to discuss an important decision ahead of his final run on Sunday. https://www.radionewark.co.uk/news/local-news/newark-boy-asks-social-distancing-is-respected-as-he-finishes-fundraising-efforts/

Posted by Radio Newark on Friday, May 29, 2020

Instead of being there in person, you can watch as Josh crosses the finishing line on a Facebook Live video, on the Radio Newark Facebook page on Sunday. Josh will be answering questions about his fundraising in the live video special with Radio Newark's Matt Colbourne and Mick Bradley, from around 3.30pm. 

If you would like to send a question for Josh to answer, you can leave a comment on the Radio Newark Facebook page or website. Alternatively, you can send us a video of you asking your question via the Radio Newark app. 

Josh has currently raised over £6,691 for the NHS, and if you'd like to donate you can do so safely on his GoFundMe Page. 

(Please note, by submitting a question or video you are consenting to it being broadcast by Radio Newark.)

 

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