A WEST Midlands police officer has her running shoes ready to complete a half marathon in memory of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes.
Jess Davies will be taking to the starting line on May 7 at the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run to raise funds for Arthur’s Angels Charitable Trust.
The Trust was set up in memory of the youngster in a bid to spread kindness in his name across Solihull, Birmingham and beyond.
It has donated toys, food parcels, funds for a hospice, toys for Great Ormond Street and is campaigning for social workers to wear body cameras during home visits.
Jess, who lives in Solihull, said: “It would be a really positive move if this could be achieved for social services as well.”
The 42-year-old said her inspiration to take on the run was Arthur’s story and the Trust.
She added: “Like the rest of the nation Arthur’s story really got to me and I’m still haunted by the video footage that was released in the press.
“Arthur’s Angels are doing some fantastic work helping vulnerable children.
“Above all we have to keep Arthur’s memory alive by spreading kindness and love and raising awareness.
“I would love so much if anyone coming to watch the event could wear something blue so we can show Arthur how much he is loved.”
Jess said she is looking forward to dedicating some time that’s just for Arthur.
So far the mum-of-one has raised smashed her target of £500 and says it would be amazing to reach £1,000.
Previously Jess wrote a poem in memory of Arthur which has been placed on a plaque at the memorial for the six-year-old on the green in Cranmore Road, Shirley.
Arthur, an avid Birmingham City Football Club fan, died from a brain injury inflicted by his Emma Tustin at her Cranmore Road home.
She was jailed for at least 29 years for murder and Arthur’s father Thomas Hughes got 24 years for manslaughter.
During the trial at Coventry Crown Court harrowing videos were shown of Arthur being forced to sleep on the floor, stand in isolation for hours at a time, being sworn at and calling out no one loves him.
Tustin and Hughes, who were also convicted of child cruelty, had made Arthur stand in isolation for 14 hours at a time and had also deprived him of food and water and poisoned him with salt.
For more or to donate click here.
