Fed rep taking on half marathon in honour of murdered schoolboy

2 May 2023

A West Midlands Police Federation workplace representative is preparing to take part in a half marathon this weekend, in memory of six-year-old Arthur Labinjo Hughes, who was brutally killed by his parents in 2020.

Jess Davies will be running the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run on Sunday 7 ( May), in honour of Solihull schoolboy Arthur whose death shocked the nation after he was killed by his stepmother and father.

Mother-of-one Jess, whose own son is just five months older than Arthur, will be raising money for Arthur’s Angels, a charitable trust set up in memory of the youngster to raise awareness of child abuse and spread kindness by donating toys and essential items to vulnerable children.

“I think being a mum myself, and such tragedy happening right on my doorstep, makes me want to raise as much money as possible for Arthur’s Angels - not only to help other children but to help keep Arthur’s memory alive,” said 42-year-old Jess.

“This story really hit me. It rocked the nation, it was horrendous. I think what was so unusual was that the public was able to see footage of the abuse - we could all see what horror that little lad was put through.”

Response officer Jess, who has been in the Force for 18 years, will be running the route wearing the football top of Arthur’s favourite team, Birmingham City, with the number six on the back, in honour of his age.

She is also hoping to raise awareness of a campaign launched by Arthur’s Angels for all social workers to wear bodycams during home visits.

“The work the charity has done since Arthur’s tragic death is great, especially around raising awareness and campaigning,” added Jess, who is coming up to the end of a 12-week training programme, having run both the London Marathon and the Birmingham Half twice in the past. 

“I 100 per cent support Arthur’s Angels bodycams campaign. In my opinion, bodycams are some of the best pieces of kit we have in the police - after all, videos can be used as evidence as need be and hopefully help to prevent cases, like Arthur’s from happening.

“It’s wearing bodycams during the unannounced visits that will make the difference. After all, anyone can make their lives look normal if they have time to prepare for the visit.

“Bodycams have become instrumental in policing, and I think they would have the same impact for social services too.”

Jess’s fundraising efforts come after the family of Arthur chose to use a poem she had written to feature on his memorial plaque.

She ended: “After everything Arthur went through, I pledge to continue raising money and awareness in his memory. I hope that fellow Birmingham City supporters show up wearing the club’s colours for Arthur at this year’s half marathon.”

Jess is just a few donations away from her £1,000 target.

Donate to Jess by visiting her GoFundMe page.