Shefford’s mighty Maddox is running a marathon in just five weeks!

Maddox, eight, has taken on the mighty challenge to support The Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation and help them buy a defibrillator to donate.

Determined Maddox started his mission on January 3 and will be running round the town accompanied by his parents.

Maddox said: “I’ve watched my dad donate lots of money for lots of other charities and this year I wanted to help him with it. I want to help save people’s lives.”

Dan featured in the Biggleswade Chronicle recently after becoming a Tottenham Hotspur ‘Hotspur Hero’ in recognition of his dedication to helping children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.

Dan also runs a charity football team, but after hearing that they wouldn’t be able to hold matches due to the pandemic, Maddox was determined to help and put his new Christmas present - a Fitbit - to good use.

Dan, 37, said: “Times are hard for charities at the moment and little fundraisers like this are important because they are supporting organisations that are trying to make a difference.

“I’m so proud of my eight- year-old son.”

The Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation was set up in memory of former footballer and Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh, who suffered a cardiac arrest while in the gym in June 2019. He never regained consciousness and died five days later, but an on-site defibrillator could have increased his chances of survival dramatically.

Dan added: “My team is now going to be doing football matches to help the foundation and as a keen footballer himself, Maddox feels it is important to have defibrillators at each health and sports facility across the UK.”

Founder of the JE3 Foundation Charlie Edinburgh said: “This is a really commendable thing that Maddox is doing for the JE3 Foundation. For someone of his age, to take the initiative to utilise this time to do something positive and beneficial for such a fantastic cause is something that myself and my group of trustees are only too grateful for. Good luck Maddox.”

Dan’s charity football team were formerly known as the ‘Amy Winehouse Foundation Team’ and over the years it has raised money for: The Amy Winehouse Foundation: £8,000; children with special needs: £400; and The Josh Hanson Trust, London: £200.

Maddox previously met Justin Edinburgh twice - once when in his mummy’s tummy and once as a mascot. This was on occasions when The Amy Winehouse Foundation were playing the Tottenham Legends charity, with Justin playing with the Tottenham Legends.

The Amy Winehouse Foundation was formed in 2014 and the team is going to be renamed and support The Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation in 2021.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dan-gaze?utm_term=B668neWPN