A submariner from Lancaster will run almost 70 miles in memory of a friend who took his own life.
Petty Officer Aaron Jackson is aiming to run from Morecambe to Harrogate in Yorkshire, in an attempt to raise £3,000 for the charity set up in memory of his close friend, Jordan Phillip.
The Jordan Legacy CIC is an organisation dedicated to suicide prevention in the UK.
Aaron has witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of suicide, being the brother-in-law of Jordan's sister, Danielle. Jordan was just 34-years-old when he tragically took his own life in December 2019, following a battle with clinical depression. He is determined to honour Jordan's memory by taking on this immense challenge.
Jordan and Aaron were friends for many years, and attended Torrisholme Primary School in Morecambe together, and that is where the run will begin on Saturday, May 17, in a challenge that will also act as a tribute to the milestone 40th birthday that both he and Jordan should have been celebrating together.
Setting off at 4am, Aaron’s gruelling journey will take approximately 16 hours.
Taking on the extraordinary challenge, Aaron said: “Seeing the devastation, shock, and trauma that follows the death of a loved one to suicide, I want to do whatever I can to prevent this happening to any other family.
‘’After running an ultra marathon two years ago and raising valuable money for the Jordan Legacy, I am back again to honour the memory of my friend.''
‘’It's pretty hard having to say things like this, but he was a great man. Loving, caring, thoughtful and funny. He was a good friend, and his family are my family. His nephews are my nephews and I can only keep loving them more on his behalf.
‘’I will be running from our old primary school, to a little gate in a field near Harrogate, ‘Jordan's Gate’, to honour his memory. 69 miles from Lancashire to Yorkshire.
‘’This is a place of deep sentimental value, as it is close to where Jordan once lived and where a cherished photograph of him was taken just four and a half years before his passing.’’
The Jordan Legacy receives no funding from the Government and was set up by Steve Phillip, Jordan’s father, to engage with workplaces, schools and communities to raise awareness and educate about how to prevent suicides, and to help those who feel isolated, trapped and hopeless to find hope again, so they don't just survive but thrive in life.
This is not the first time Aaron has put himself to the test for his friend.
In August 2023, he raised more than £2,000 by completing a 6-hour ultramarathon, wearing combat boots and a weighted Bergen.
For further information, donations, or to follow Aaron’s progress, supporters can visit his JustGiving page here:
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