JO SMITH AND TEAM WALK 100 MILES AROUND ISLE OF WIGHT IN AID OF JOHN’S CLUB CHARITY

Jo Smith and her team have completed their 100-mile walk around the Isle of Wight in aid of John’s Club – a charity offering social and recreational activities for the disabled and those with learning and mental health difficulties. Despite Jo picking up a leg injury on the Saturday, she battled on and completed the 100 miles just after midnight on Sunday 14th April 2024. On the road, she visited Cowes, East Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin, Bembridge Seaview and many other Island towns. Jo said:

“I watched my father grow this club with nothing but a few pounds and a lot of love and determination. Even after all these years, he is unaware of the impact he has had on so many people’s lives and the hope and happiness he has brought them. “We are at a time when so many people are struggling not just financially but emotionally as well, and I believe that the club brings a massive support to many Island people, not only offering services but a friend, safe place and someone to listen, something many take for granted. ” I have done this walk to help raise awareness and funds, and I thank all those who have supported me in my determination to make it to the finish line. Thank you to the members who joined me along the way and achieved their own goals.  Thank you to everybody who said hello and thank you to all who donated.”

John Phillips (Chairman and Founder of Johns Club) has said:

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“I am really proud of my daughter Jo, who achieved the hundred mile walk and the members who joined in along the way bringing vital funds for the organisation as these times are difficult for charities at a time when people need support even more with the cost of living and other pressures that are put on people with both hidden difficulties and those you can see.”

For further information about John’s club, call 864215 or 07702340193 and ask for John Phillips John’s Club still taking donations here  John’s Club also has new projects underway. Its centre at Oakfield Football Club (5 Slade Road Ryde) is being developed into a community centre with a warm space, a youth service planned and all the services being provided, giving members life enhancing experiences. John’s Club hub at 62 High Street Shanklin delivers daycentre activities to its members as well as supporting them with day to day living skills. John’s Club newest project is to take on the House of Chilli site at Arreton and using that to provide training in work skills for its members, who would not under normal circumstances be afforded this opportunity.