Shropshire Star

Jason Francis: 20 turn out for 15-mile walk in memory of tragic sportsman and partner Alice Robinson

Cold wind and hail did nothing to stop a walk in memory of a beloved Shropshire couple who died in Australia.

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Walkers braved high win to tackle the 15-mile walk

About 20 people walked the 15-mile route from Anytime Fitness in Lawley, Telford to Much Wenlock on Sunday morning to help pay for the funerals of Jason Francis and Alice Robinson.

Dressed in commemorative T-shirts with pictures of the couple, the group started their journey just after 9am, walking along Lawley Drive towards Horsehay.

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.

Jason Francis and Alice Robinson

Chris Clarke, general manager at Anytime Fitness Telford, organised the walk, and said he was glad so many people had turned out.

The 28-year-old said: "I've know Jason since I was 16 at college, and I am really good friends with Alice's brother.

"Jason was a member here and he worked at our Edgbaston gym. That's why we organised the walk today, to help with funeral costs and support the family in any way we can."

Chris said Jason and Alice were an amazing couple.

"They just looked after each other," he said. "Jason was a lunatic, just all energy, all of the time. He had no down time, and Alice kept him grounded. They were the best couple and the nicest people you could meet.

Special T-shirts were designed for the 20 people involved in the walk for Jason and Alice

"Jason was literally good at every sport he played. He played football, cricket at county level and he came to me a few years ago and he didn't even know the rules – but he'd made it to Newport's first team. He was incredible at everything."

Chris said he was happy with the turnout.

"When we got the T-shirts made we had about 20, and they've all gone, so we're happy," he said.

"I'm thankful to everyone that's come and everybody who has donated money. If everybody could give to these amazing two people's families, that would be great."

About 20 people werte involved in the trek, which was to raise money for funeral costs

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 played 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