Remembering Jenson: one year on

Jenson Joseph sadly passed away on 30th April 2024, aged just 25.

One year on, and Anaphylaxis UK is touched by the generosity of his family, friends, colleagues, and football teammates who have found the strength to fundraise for our charity to honour Jenson’s memory.

Jenson was a popular, well-loved young man and, as their fantastic fundraising efforts come to close, we’d like to show our appreciation for their commitment and motivation to achieve something wonderful amid their grief.

Heartbreaking mystery

Jenson’s death was the result of anaphylaxis in his sleep. Tragically, his loved ones still do not know what caused the reaction.

Diagnosed with a peanut and almond allergy in 2019, Jenson was prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), but never had the need to use them.

Following the diagnosis, he managed his allergies well by being very aware of his diet and environment, and the toxicology report was unable to find traces of peanuts or almonds. This unexplained tragedy has been heartbreaking for his family and friends.

Remembering Jenson

Tributes to Jenson all touched on the same theme; he was an incredibly well-loved and popular young man.

Jenson’s mum, Lex, shared: “My world has been destroyed by Jenson’s passing. I will never accept that Jenson is no longer here. We were on this journey together and I always believed that nothing could/would get in our way. My heart simply doesn’t beat the same. Jenson was taken from us far too soon and his presence will be greatly missed by every single person who met and knew him.”

His colleagues at David Lloyd York added: “Jenson was loved by so many. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting him knows just how hilarious, spirited and kind-hearted he truly was! Jenson was taken from us far too soon and his presence is greatly missed.”

Another beautiful tribute touched on Jenson’s football talents: “A skilful, highly technical and strong player, he was a vital member of any team he played for, bringing not only huge ability but an unlimited supply of hilarious comments, which would have both his teammates and opponents in stitches of laughter.”

A year of fundraising

Several fundraising challenges have been completed and more are in the diary for later in the year. In three days of setting up their fundraising page, over £5,000 was raised! A testament to the love for Jenson.

Friends Ellie and Hannah proudly ran a marathon and half marathon last autumn for Jenson and Anaphylaxis UK, and a group of friends are also planning to complete the Leeds Half Marathon in August 2025.

On Sunday 27 April, three days before Jenson’s year anniversary, a memorial match was held at Fulford United Football Club, a team he played for. The game was a chance for everyone to remember him in a way he would have loved; having a laugh, playing some high-quality football, and doing what Jenson did best…bringing people together. Thank you Fulford United FC for hosting.

Colleagues from David Lloyd York marked Jenson’s anniversary with a poignant trek, taking on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks and hosting a get together back at the gym to remember and reflect.

In May, York St John University Men’s Football team will be hosting a charity virtual race evening in aid of Anaphylaxis UK as Jenson was a former university student and player of the men’s football society.

At the time of writing, a staggering £8,960 has been raised. HUGE thank you and well done to everyone who has generously donated, put in hours of training, shared their kind words and memories of Jenson, and for supporting Anaphylaxis UK. It really does mean a lot to us.