Runners of all abilities are being encouraged to lace up their trainers and sign up to a fundraising event to raise money in memory of late De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) graduate and colleague, Adam Redfern.
The first ever ‘Run for Redfern’ fundraiser will take place on Sunday 6 March and has been organised by DMU alumna Abi Battisto, who aims to make it an annual event whereby as many people as possible complete a sponsored run on the same day.
Those taking part are welcome to run a distance of their choice and from wherever they are based, and all of the money raised will go towards the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund.
Adam Redfern was a huge part of the DMU community, for almost a decade
Established in memory of Adam, who died suddenly of a cardiac arrest while out jogging in March 2021, the fund aims to give students with a flair for media, journalism and sport the opportunity to boost their career opportunities.
“Adam was really into his fitness, so a running challenge felt like a fitting tribute,” explained Abi.
“Run for Redfern is open to everyone and anyone who would like to take part. A lot of the people who went to university with Adam now live all over the UK and some are even working overseas, so the idea was to create an event that gave people the chance to raise funds and do the run from wherever they are based.”
Adam was, first as a Journalism student, then as a key member of the De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) and, finally, as part of DMU communications team, an integral part of the university’s community for almost a decade.
The Adam Redfern Memorial Fund enables students who share Adam’s passions to make the most out of their time at DMU through scholarships, bursaries and monetary awards.
The fund also shines a light on and raises awareness of SADS (sudden arrhythmic death syndrome), when someone dies suddenly following a cardiac arrest and no obvious cause can be found.
Abi will be taking part in the Run for Redfern challenge herself and has set a target of completing a 5km route at Abbey Park, Leicester – marking the five years Adam was part of her life at DMU.
Abi got to know Adam when she was a DMU student
“Adam would probably laugh if he knew I was doing a running challenge,” she continued. “I’ve never been into running – I play in goal on the football pitch!
“But there is no pressure for anyone taking part to run long distance. We just want people to run for as long and as far as they are comfortable with.
“If they want to make it extra special, they could choose a significant number linked to Adam – for example they could do 2km to mark his birthday of 2nd January, 9.3km for his birth year, or 15km for his football shirt number.”
Abi met Adam when she was a DMU student in 2013, and later worked with him when she was part of the activities team at DSU.
“I first got to know Adam when I was the chair of the DMU women’s football team,” she said. “I met him during Varsity, when he was doing the commentary for our match.
“It’s no secret that men’s football tends to get more attention than women’s, but Adam always made sure we had the opportunity to promote our team too.
“That’s why the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund is such a fitting way to keep his legacy alive, because he was always thinking about others and always wanting to create an amazing student experience for everyone he met.”
Abi and Adam became friends over the years, crossing paths through the DSU
Speaking on behalf of him and his wife, Adam’s dad Ian Redfern said: “Christine and I continue to be deeply touched by the number of people who are willing to give their time, energy and money to support the aims of the Memorial Fund.
“Every penny we raise, helps to ensure that Adam’s legacy can live on through the various initiatives already being put in place to benefit others. Indeed, we expect to announce a positive update on some of these plans very soon.”
He continued: “March 2 marks the anniversary of Adam’s passing, so the timing of this event is absolutely fitting. It’s a perfect tribute to our son. We are indebted to every one of his friends taking part, no matter how far they feel able to run.
“Christine and I plan to be at Abbey Park ourselves, so that we can personally support those running locally. Equally, we look forward to seeing and sharing pictures of those taking part across the UK and beyond.
“We wish you all good speed and fingers-crossed for a day of favourable running weather!”
To take part in Run for Redfern on Sunday 6 March in aid of the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund, runners are asked to set up a fundraising page or join the Team Run for Redfern fundraising page here.
Additionally, AJ’s Print House in Loughborough is making and selling Run for Redfern t-shirts for participants, with £7 of each t-shirt sale donated to the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund. These can be ordered directly from AJ's Print House here.
Proceeds from t-shirt sales will go to the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund
Abi will be starting her run at Abbey Park Pavilion Cafe at 12pm and anyone who would like to join her is welcome to do so. Participants are also encouraged to share pictures using the #RunforRedfern hashtag and tag @RedfernFund on Twitter.
Posted on Monday 21 February 2022