LTC JOGLE Pub Run roadshow ‘will save someone’s life’

How a conversation between two industry figures led to a nationwide event raising money, awareness and helping hospitality workers access support before they reach a crunchpoint.

Joby Mortimer hadn’t even taken up the post of director of charity operations at the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) when he got on the phone to Michael Harper, co-founder of Avani Solutions.

“I sat there thinking what could I do to make a difference and I know a guy called Adventureman who’s run across the United States and Canada – and Michael is my version of Adventureman for our industry!

“I [needed] somebody passionate about our charity, fundraising and helping people, but also frankly crazy enough to come up with an idea – and Michael was the man,” he explains.

Michael is more modest, saying the idea came from a friend who had attempted the John O’ Groats to Land’s End (or JOGLE) run more than once, but struggled to complete its 900+ miles. He agrees though that he did put the idea to Joby. Did he take much persuading?

Goes far beyond fundraising

“The second Michael suggested it, I was just like, this is going to happen because it’s [not just] a chance to raise a lot of money, but as Michael says, we can reach so many people through this.”

What started as a fundraising idea quickly evolved into something much bigger. The event now features a core team of ultra-marathon runners completing every stage of the route – recently joined by renowned fundraiser, ‘marathon man’ Gary McKee MBE. Together alongside the ultra-runners will be sponsored participants – joining on individual legs, themselves each aiming to raise at least £250 for the LTC.

Organisers also hope to reach a wider audience through partners such as fitness app Strava, to spread the message far beyond those taking part on the road.

Sometimes described as ‘the industry’s best kept secret’, the LTC spent around £2m last year helping 45,000 people who work in hospitality. Yet awareness of its work stands at only 54%, while some 72% are facing the sort of challenges it supports people with. ‘You don’t have to be a mathematician’, says Joby, to see the need to spread the word.

This JOGLE then is much more than a sponsored pub run. It is essentially an LTC roadshow, which via en route community days hosted respectively by Star Pubs, Punch Pubs, Lucky Saint and Thatchers Cider, will send the charity’s team out to talk not just to runners but all hospitality workers attending.

“Every pub will have a pack that tells you about the services the LTC provide and we’re creating a mobile wellbeing lounge where people will be able to access resources and support,” says Joby.” And we’ll be encouraging people to talk all the way through because the first step is to recognise if there might be a problem and to talk to somebody – and then reach out and take the appropriate support.”

Running starts honest conversations

Michael concurs, saying that as well as the connections made through running and the boost to health and wellbeing it provides, the opportunities to talk are also vital.

“When you’re running you are totally stripped bare. You’re not dressed up, you haven’t got your make-up on and such. You’re stripped back to very basic principles of being on your feet, out in the elements, and there’s no better way of having a very honest conversation with somebody than when you are both in exactly the same position,” he says.

A call to action then to support the LTC JOGLE Pub Run. Joggers and walkers are also welcome, anyone can join in at whatever pace they can manage or simply help to spread the word. Says Joby, who is making his own running debut at the event, “Whether it’s through awareness-raising or catching someone along the way, someone’s life will be saved through this – so it’s absolutely worth it.”

Sponsored runners, usually doing just one leg, are the core fundraising part of the LTC JOGLE Pub Run – with all proceeds going to help those in need. Its not to late to get involved visit our Jogle pub run page. for more details.