Jim to run the Sheffield Half Marathon in memory of long time best friend, Ian Oxley

Jim, from Leeds, will be running the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Half Marathon for the very first time alongside very close family friends, Helen, George, and William.

Jim will be running in memory of his long-time best friend, Ian Oxley ("Oxo").  Oxo sadly passed away in December 2023 from a brain tumour aged just 57, leaving his wife, Helen, and two sons, George and William. 

“For me, Oxo was simply the best of friends throughout our time together at University and ever since. His warmth, kindness, and all-round positivity touched the lives of everyone who met him.”

We caught up with Jim to hear about his running journey so far and to find out more about his motivations for running the Sheffield Half Marathon.

Who or what encouraged you to sign up to the Sheffield Half Marathon? 

I decided to run the Sheffield Half Marathon for the first time in memory of my long-time best friend, Ian Oxley ("Oxo").  Oxo sadly passed away in December 2023 from a brain tumour aged just 57, leaving his wife, Helen, and two sons, George and William.  For me, Oxo was simply the best of friends throughout our time together at University and ever since.  His warmth, kindness, and dedication touched the lives of everyone who met him.  

Helen, George, and William will also be running the Sheffield Half with me, which is fantastic, and we will be raising money for the Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

What are you most looking forward to about the event?

Running it in Oxo's home city alongside his lovely family in his memory.  There will be lots of support out from Oxo's wider family cheering us round too.  We'll get some t-shirts done with Oxo's picture on and we will wear them with pride!

Do you have any top tips for anyone starting on their running journey?

It will be William's first half marathon and my advice to him and to anyone else running a half marathon for the first time - just take it one step at a time and you're sure to conquer it!

To support Jim's fundraising efforts, click here 

Good luck Jim, we can't wait to see you smash it on event day! 

Entries are still open for the Sheffield Mutual Half Marathon. To sign up and find out more click here