A whole community coming together to raise awareness

You may remember the Squires family from the sponsored walk that Leighton Squires did last year to show his support for his younger brother Jordan who has Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Jordan was diagnosed when he was 3 years old and had 17 joints affected.

Jordan's family told us that "upon diagnosis, Jordan was unable to walk for several months due to the pain his condition caused him. Jordan has undergone numerous surgeries to manage his pain and still requires two weekly injections to try and control his arthritis, despite all this Jordan is the most kind and caring little boy who is always thinking of others."

This year, the Squires family have gone even further in making a difference, getting the whole community involved, by organising a charity football match in aid of Juvenile Arthritis Research. Jordan's dad and his friends decided to dust off their football boots and get their old Bustleholme football team back together to play the current Bustleholme managers. The incredible event took place a couple of weeks ago at the Charlemont playing fields along with a cake sale too.

Jared Squires, Jordan and Leighton's dad, gave us this fantastic update after the event:

What a day !!

A great event for such an amazing charity, from start to finish this football event has been brilliant. It’s been 20 years since we all played together and it was so amazing to see all our friends pull together to raise money and awareness on behalf of Jordan and JAR ! It was as if the lads had never been apart as all the banter and camaraderie was still there, also taking to the pitch to come away winners 3-2 on the day !

The sun was shining and there was a great turn out and a buzzing atmosphere, it was great too see so many cake sales, raffle tickets purchased and donations made on the day followed by a brilliant game of football enjoyed by all.

What an epic event raising a grand total of £1,148. A massive thank you to the Squires family and their friends and relatives in organising such an incredible day. Thank you to everyone who took part playing football, coming along to cheer and join in the fun and who made a donation. You have all showed the most amazing community spirit in showing Jordan and other children with JIA that they are not alone and that we are all fighting arthritis together. Thank you.

If you are planning an event to raise funds for Juvenile Arthritis Research, remember to get in touch early and let us know if you need any leaflets, banners or resources to help make your event a success. You can find out more about fundraising here.