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Ex-Leeds United star aiming to raise money in memory of late friend
Matt Jones.
Former Leeds United player Matt Jones is embarking on a year-long series of fundraising challenges in memory of tragic Whites legend Gary Speed.
Jones has set himself a target of tackling four half-marathons in 2012, one of which will see him clocking up the requisite 13-and-a-bit miles by running laps around United’s Elland Road pitch.
The Welshman also plans to battle through two full marathons and is hoping to brave a 13,000ft skydive.
Part of the proceeds from his exploits will go to two cancer funds – the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the John Hartson Foundation.
Speed’s widow Louise has asked fans making charity donations in her late husband’s memory to consider the two football-related funds as possible beneficiaries.
Jones, 31, said: “I’ll never deal with losing Gary as a mate but what I can do is focus all the heartbreak and emotional feelings into positivity and try to create something good.
“I know I need to be consistent with my training but, as well as that, I know it’s all for Gary and that will be the main thing that will get me past any wall I hit.”
Jones made his Leeds debut in the 1998-99 season, having come through the Elland Road ranks with the likes of Alan Smith and Jonathan Woodgate.
He joined Leicester City in 2000 but was forced to retire four years later aged 23 after struggling with back and other injuries.
Jones is adamant, however, that the problems that ended his football career will prove no barrier to this year’s fundraising plans.
“It’s a different kind of fitness,” he said. “Since I had my back operation, I struggle a lot with sciatica and I no longer have that speed or power to play at high intensity or a decent level.
“But if you’re plodding in a marathon, then I will be able to plod all day.”
Jones played for Wales alongside Speed, who was found hanged at his home last November.
The 42-year-old United hero’s death prompted a huge outpouring of grief across the football world.
* To back Jones’s fundraising, visit the www.justgiving.com/mattjones7 webpage.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
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