Shropshire Star

Jason Francis: 15-mile walk to raise funds for tragic Shropshire sportsman and partner Alice Robinson

Dozens of people are expected to take part in a 15-mile walk to raise money for a young Shropshire couple who died within hours of each other in Australia.

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Jason and Alice

Walkers will be setting out from Anytime Fitness in Lawley on Sunday at 9am in memory of Jason Francis and Alice Robinson.

They will make the 15-mile trek from Telford to Much Wenlock and back.

Jason, aged 29 and originally from Bridgnorth, died after he was hit by a vehicle in Perth on December 22 while heartbroken Alice, a hockey player, was found dead less than 24 hours later.

The couple both used the facilities at Anytime Fitness, and members at the gym said they wanted to do something to remember them by.

Chris Clarke, manager at the gym, said: "Jason and Alice were both members here, and Jason worked as a membership consultant at our branch in Edgbaston.

"Alice's mum is still a member here too.

"We thought it was so sad what happened, and we could do something to raise money for the good cause.

"We are having special T-shirts made for the first 20 people who apply to take part, but anyone can join in."

It is the latest fundraising efforts in the couple's name. More than $44,000, or about £24,600, has been raised in memory of the couple via a crowdfunding page. An additional £16,000 was raised during a charity rugby match in Bridgnorth.

Jason layed rugby for Newport and Bridgnorth and football for Market Drayton Town FC.

For more information about the walk or to donate visit bit.ly/2RE14xf