Join 'Jane's Run' – named after a much-loved lecturer


Students and staff at DMU are being encouraged to take part in a Leicester park run that has been named after a “passionate and inspirational” lecturer who taught undergraduates about breast cancer genetics while battling the condition herself.

Dr Jane Sherwood, who was just 50 when she died in May, had taught Biomedical Science at DMU since 1995. During that time, she lectured thousands of students – many of whom went on to become scientists, researchers and teachers themselves.

In fact, when Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer due to a rare genetic mutation in March 2018, a number of the scientists who processed her results at the Leicester Royal Infirmary were her former students.

Victoria Park Run - main

Alongside her work at DMU, Jane was also a keen athlete and in January 2019, despite her deteriorating health, she launched the ‘Leicester 5K Your Way: Move Against Cancer’ initiative, which encourages people affected by cancer and those working in cancer services, to walk, run, cheer or volunteer at a free 5K parkrun event held at Victoria Park on the last Saturday of every month.

In another touching tribute following her death, the event has since been renamed ‘Jane’s Run’ – a legacy her husband Chris is incredibly proud of.

“It’s so humbling to know that something Jane brought to Leicester is now named after her,” he said. “Cancer is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical challenge and exercise is one thing that can help you tackle both. Jane’s Run is about bringing people together who understand what each other is going through.”

Jane Sherwood Run - main

The next Jane’s Run will take place on Saturday 31 August and staff and students across the university are being invited to take part. The group will meet at 8.45am at the Arch of Remembrance war memorial in Victoria Park, where Jane’s family and friends will give a few words in her memory before the run starts.

Dr Jo Rushworth, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and close friend of Jane, said: “The invitation is open to everyone. We hope to see as many people there as possible as we come together in mutual support and friendship in the spirit of Jane’s Run, remembering what a phenomenal person Jane was in setting up this amazing support group for people affected by cancer.”

Chris added: “I was always in awe of Jane’s ability to connect with her students. She absolutely loved teaching at DMU and her aim was to inspire others to learn. I think she would be very proud if she could see the legacy she has left.”

Anyone wanting to take part in Jane’s Run on Saturday 31 August should head to the Arch of Remembrance war memorial in Victoria Park at 8.45am. For more details about the event visit the 5K Your Way website.

Posted on Thursday 29 August 2019

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