Mum would be very proud of us for raising cash (From Worcester News)

Mum would be very proud of us for raising cash

10:00pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Sarah Davies

A FAMILY is joining forces to raise funds for causes close to their hearts in memory of a much-loved Worcester woman.

Deb Jones, a former landlady and charity fund-raiser from St John’s, died last September after suffering a stroke.

A 21-strong team of family and friends, including her husband Ray and daughters Lucy, Carly and Ella, are preparing to put on their running shoes for charity in her honour.

They hope to raise more than £5,000 for the Stroke Association and St Paul’s Hostel – where Mrs Jones used to work – when they take part in the Birmingham Half Marathon on Sunday Her daughter Ella Houghton said: “We’re raising funds for the Stroke Association because of mum, but I think a few of us didn’t realise the impact strokes could have. We just want to help people who have been through the same as us.

“I think it’ll be quite nice to have all the family running together because we can all support each other. Me and mum did the London Marathon in 2005 and I think she’d be very proud of us, especially my dad.”

Mrs Jones grew up in Worcester, spending most of her early life in Buttermere Drive, Warndon, helping her mother raise and care for foster children. She later became well-known as the landlady of several pubs including the Star, Punchbowl, Prince of Wales and the Grosvenor Arms.

The 54-year-old also spent much of her time supporting good causes, raising more than £50,000 for charities through events, including the London Marathon, the Moonwalk marathon for breast cancer, a week-long fund-raiser for Newtown Hospital and the Sunwalk in Bristol.

After leaving the pub trade, the grandmother took up a role helping vulnerable people as a support worker at St Paul’s Hostel.

To make a donation, visit just giving.com/debs-jones3.