On Air Now Dean Anderson 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Now Playing Dean Anderson Sound of Soul

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

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.)

 

More from Local News

  • Newark jam-packed with events this spring and summer

    This year is set to be a busy one in Newark with a whole host of events set to take place in the market town over the next few months. From Artisan Markets to the CAMRA Beer Festival and ‘Race to the Castle’ (a paddle board event) to the popular Steampunk Festival, there’s lots for families and friends to get involved with.

  • The District Council garden recycling service is open for 2024/25 sign ups

    Recycle your garden waste and help create a greener Newark and Sherwood by joining the District Council’s garden recycling service. You can now sign up to the 2024/25 service and join over 18,000 residents who are already signed up! For £37 you get a brown bin and an all-year-round collection service, which occurs every two weeks between March and November, and monthly from December to February. If you need to order an additional bin you can do so for £37 each.

  • StreetLink support for rough sleepers in Newark and Sherwood

    If you see someone sleeping rough and you want to help, you can now alert the right support groups through one website, StreetLink. StreetLink, a digital platform aimed at helping rough sleepers, has officially relaunched with a new website that connects people who are sleeping rough to local support services.

  • 2023 Brings A Full Programme Of Events For The Town Centre Including Newark-On-Sea

    Including a live screening of the King’s Coronation