Run in honour of murdered MP held for last time

The final run in honour of murdered MP Jo Cox has taken place, marking the 10th anniversary of her death.

The event has been taking place annually since 2017 - a year after the Labour MP for Batley and Spen was killed before a constituency surgery in Birstall by neo-Nazi Thomas Mair.

The run at Oakwell Hall in Birstall is part of a wider event - the Great Get Together - which unites communities to celebrate the values championed by the mother of two.

Reflecting on the run's success, one of the organisers Dave Hawksworth said there were "so many good memories" and "something we'll always be proud that we put on".

The 6.5km run, organised by More In Common Batley & Spen, has attracted hundreds of participants each year.

Organisers said there had been many great moments to reflect on over the years including handmade thank you cards and treats from local children featuring the message 'love like Jo', which were handed out to runners.

Despite its success, they said it was decided to make this year's the last one with the aim of "going out on a high".

Joint organiser Clare Black said: "With it being the 10 year anniversary of Jo's death, it just felt like the natural time to bring it to an end and to end it on a high point.

"We've had so many different people come and join us through the years and we've brought people together from different political parties.

"It's always been a day of joy and and a celebration for us to think about Jo and everything she did in the area."

Reflecting on how people remember Cox, Hawksworth said she had "an amazing sense of community".

"Jo was such a friendly person. She was brilliant at bringing people together and she lit up a room when she came in."

Although the run will no longer continue, the Great Get Together event, which is organised by the Jo Cox Foundation, will continue.