THIS Christmas will be desperately sad for the family of little Jack Edwards whose short life inspired people throughout Ludlow and south Shropshire and in Tenbury and the Teme Valley.

But ‘Jack’s Army’ of supporters has vowed to march on and carry on the fight against the illness that killed him aged just seven.

Little Jack Edwards from Cleobury Mortimer, who had close family in Tenbury, lost his battle against leukaemia in August

However, community fundraisers will light up Jack’s home town by organising a glow run to raise money for charities which helped him.

A glow run was held earlier this year in January in Cleobury Mortimer to support the family of Jack, who was battling Leukaemia.

By the time of the event Jack had suffered a relapse, but was able to briefly attend to see around 300 runners set off carrying glow sticks and wearing glow necklaces and bracelets.

Jack’s story was followed by thousands of people - his indomitable spirit was a source of inspiration. The close-knit Cleobury Mortimer community were broken-hearted when the courageous youngster lost his life in August, and the team of fundraisers - dubbed Jack’s Army – vowed to ‘march on.’

Family friend Rachel Shields decided to make the glow run an annual event as a tribute to Jack, and to raise funds for Antony Nolan, The Stiliyan Petrov Foundation and Make a Wish – all who supported and made such a difference to Jack and his family throughout his cancer battle.

Rachel, 31, said Jack was a shining start to all who knew him.

“He always had a beautiful smile on his face. It seems a fitting tribute to hold another Glow Run in Jack’s memory next year - and hopefully for many years to come – to raise money in his name for some of the amazing charities that helped him and continue to help so many,” she said.

Jack’s mum Chrissie Woodhouse, said the family had been ‘blown away’ by the support they received.

“We miss him so much but we think the fact that people are continuing to fundraise in his memory shows how many people he inspired," she said.

"It makes us proud of what an amazing son we had. I’m looking forward to the glow run and have been able to be involved in the organising along with Jack’s Army.”

Jack Edwards Glow Run 2017 is open to everyone aged eight and over (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult).

Individual entries are £10, which include glow sticks, and a medal at the finish line. Family and club discounts are available.

The money raised through entries will be divided between the three charities and there’s also an option with an online registration for people to do their own fundraising.

Up to 350 people can take part in the event, which will start and finish at Lacon Childe School.

Cleobury First Responders and Young Farmers will marshal the event.

A number of local businesses have already pledged their support, but Rachel Shields, said they were still looking for sponsorship.

“Jack bought us together as a community and we need to continue to stand together to keep his memory alive in the town that he loved and that love him back - always and forever in our hearts,” she said.

The Jack Edwards Glow Run 2017 will take place on Friday, January 27 at 6.30pm. Entries must be in by Tuesday, January 10.

To enter online visit https://race-nation.com/jack-edwards-glow-run-2017.