An unwashed match shirt worn by Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy is being auctioned off to raise money for LOROS thanks to a member of staff from the club who is running the London Marathon for the Hospice.
First Team Player Liaison Officer at the Foxes, Jon Sanders, will be taking on the 26 mile challenge in April and hopes to raise £5,000 for LOROS ahead of the race through selling signed and worn kit from the team.
The father-of-two, of Rothley, has already raised £3,000 and is set to make even more thanks to merchandise like Vardy’s shirt, which was worn by the striker during Saturday’s match at the King Power Stadium against Stoke.
“I was with the team when LOROS partnered up with the Club and their name was put on the front of our shirts,” said the 43-year-old who first joined the Club back in 1999.
“I visited the Hospice and was overwhelmed by the work they did and ever since then, LOROS has been the charity that I try and personally support.”
Jon has run the Leicester Half Marathon for LOROS before and last year, took part in the 13-and-a-half-mile Woodhouse May Day Challenge, raising more than £2,000 for the Hospice.
After setting his sights on the London Marathon, Jon pledged to raise more than £1,500 more for LOROS to secure his spot and has already doubled his target so far.
“I’m in a very privileged position to be able to get my hands on signed and worn kit, so it makes sense to utilise that when raising money,” he added.
Other kit pieces that Jon has auctioned off includes gloves worn by goalie, Kasper Schmeichel, as well as match worn boots by Adrien Silva, Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki, to name but a few.
“When I’ve raised money for LOROS before, I’ve always just asked for donations and I felt a bit awkward just asking again but by auctioning off kit, it gives people something in return for their money.”
Jon said that while the team has been very supportive, they also call him crazy for his 26-mile goal, despite them running 90 minutes each match.
“I’ve always wanted to run a full Marathon. I’m really looking forward to it and the buzz that I’ll feel surrounded by all of those people cheering us on,” said Jon, who trains with Anstey Running Club.
“Running for a charity definitely makes getting up and training in the rain and cold that bit easier.
“Not finishing isn’t an option for me. I’m sticking to the Marathon plan and with just 10 weeks to go, my legs feel like they’re going to fall off but I know it will be worth it.
“Crossing that finishing line will be like my personal Premier League win. Completing the Marathon is my goal and when I finish, it will be the pinnacle of my running career.”
To support Jon or to be in with a chance of getting your hands on the Vardy shirt, then email your offer to sandolcfc@outlook.com. The auction closes at midday on Friday (2nd March).
