Great North Run legend Jarra Jim '˜overwhelmed' by support after raid on his home

A charity champion says he has been 'overwhelmed' by people's generosity after he became the victim of a burglar.
'Jarra Jim' Purcell home has been burgled with only cash of £1.20 taken.'Jarra Jim' Purcell home has been burgled with only cash of £1.20 taken.
'Jarra Jim' Purcell home has been burgled with only cash of £1.20 taken.

Jim Purcell – known as ‘Jarra Jim’ – returned home from church on Sunday to find police outside his property.

On being told his home had been broken into, his first concern was for his collection of medals he had been awarded for taking part in countless Great North Runs and other running events.

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However, the Dunkirk veteran said he felt lucky after finding his medals still there.

The thief, instead, stole a safe containing confidential and sentimental papers and £1.20 in loose change from a little tin pot he kept on his coffee table.

The kind-hearted pensioner said he even felt for the criminal and hoped he would be able to help the person responsible.

As news spread throughout social media of the break-in people have stepped forward wanting to help the charity champ who has devoted his life to helping youngsters since taking up running following the death of his wife Betty in 1986.

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But while offers of money have been forthcoming, he says he would rather any donations be made to the charity he set up to help youngsters – in particular those with disabilities.

“I went out yesterday and someone gave me £10. I took it and put it straight in my charity account,” said Jim, who was visited by the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside Coun Richard Porthouse and his wife Patricia, yesterday.

“I really don’t need anything, I am happy as I am. But if people do feel the need to do something for me, I would much rather they donate to my charity.

“I just love to help children – especially those who are handicapped, and I would much prefer the money to go to the charity.

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“I get pension credit and that is enough for me. Somebody mentioned a security alarm but I don’t have any money or anything of value in the house. It’s not that I’m ungrateful but everything I have goes to the kids.

“The kids really do mean everything to me and the charity is the biggest thing in my heart.

“So if anyone does want to give me money, I’d rather it went to my charity.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation to Jarra Jim’s charity can do so by calling into the Gazette office in Beach Road, South Shields, Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm, or Community Corner, in Edinburgh Road, Jarrow, Monday to Friday (except Wednesday), 9am until 4pm.

Any cheques should be made payable to JP Handicapped Children’s Trust.