10-year anniversary of the death of West Yorkshire MP Jo Cox tomorrow
Tomorrow marks the 10-year anniversary of the death of West Yorkshire MP Jo Cox.
The 41-year-old Labour politician represented Batley and Spen from 2015 till her death in 2016.
The politician, born in Dewsbury, was murdered by a right-wing extremist named Thomas Mair at a constituency surgery in Birstall.
Cox left behind two children as well as a legacy in her belief in unity, carried on through the Jo Cox foundation.
Speaking ahead of the ten-year anniversary, Olivia Field the CEO of the foundation spoke on Jo:
“You might remember when she (Jo Cox) was murdered, how shocked and devastated the country was
“In the immediate aftermath, during a really tense period, people chose connection over division”
Field added “they chose to connect with their neighbours and put their differences aside.”
10 years on and the Jo Cox foundation continues to work in West Yorkshire highlighting community projects.
The foundation also runs The Great Get Together, a collection of community events across the country, Olivia said on the work the foundation does “Our evidence shows that its reduced loneliness and increased a sense of belonging.”
“It’s what Jo continues to inspire, and what we think the country needs.”
The events this year will culminate in a Run for Jo in Birstall on the 21st of June. Field said “2000 people will be running, including one of the paramedics who tried to save Jo’s life ten years ago.”