Prison staff are joining forces with fundraising rugby stars to tackle the Leeds Abbey Dash.
Around 60 staff from HMP Leeds will join Leeds Rhinos legends Keith Senior and Barrie McDermott for the 10k race to raise cash for muscular dystrophy charity Joining Jack.
Four prisoners will also join the group for the run on Sunday, November 18.
The head of resettlement at HMP Leeds, Mark Hudson, said: “The camaraderie every week is exactly the same as in any other big workplace. A prison is what it is but some good news stories do exist.
“Staff and prisoners often come together to support nominated charities.
“With the Leeds Abbey Dash being one of the UK’s most popular 10k road races, attracting a field of 9,000 runners, the decision for staff to run for Joining Jack was an easy one to make.
“I wanted to encourage as many staff as possible to take part. On the start line in Leeds on Sunday morning, we will have 70 runners, including four prisoners, all proud to be wearing the Joining Jack logo on their chests.”
Prisoner Stephen Rawlinson said: “We like to give stuff back and get involved. It is exciting to feel a part of something and serve the community.”
Craig Huby and Danny Orr from Castleford Tigers, Matt James from Wakefield Wildcats, Hull FC captain Andy Lynch and former Leeds Rhinos player Ikram Butt have also been recruited for the run.
Joining Jack raises awareness and money to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and is run by former Castleford Tigers player Andy Johnson, whose son Jack suffers from the disease.
Barrie McDermott, who played for Leeds Rhinos between 1995 and 2006 and now has a career as a youth coach and TV pundit, said: “Me and Keith are both fathers and can empathise with wanting to look after your family. That’s the reason I signed up. I also want beat Keith as well.”
For more about the Joining Jack charity, visit the website at www.joiningjack.org.
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