A TEAM of runners inspired by a brave youngster’s health battle has raised more than £20,000.
A group of five orange-shirted runners took to the streets of the capital for the London Marathon, raising money for Meningitis Now.
They were running under the banner of #teamgeorge with their efforts inspired by Dorchester youngster George Patterson, who contracted pneumococcal meningitis and has suffered a range of health complications as a result.
Between them the five runners raised £8,000 and when added to the efforts of other #teamgeorge runners who took on other events such as the Weymouth Half Marathon, they took the team’s fundraising total for Meningitis Now over the £20,000 mark.
The London Marathon runners included George’s dad Martin, who finished in four hours and two minutes, as well as Stuart Kemp who clocked four hours 32 minutes, Kelly Wood who finished in 4 hours and 36 minutes, Neil Wood who went round in five hours and nine minutes and Jo Hallett who clocked five hours 55 minutes.
George’s mum Naomi went up to London to cheer on the runners, although sadly George was unable to make it due to his health.
Naomi said: “They have all done so well, myself, George and Meningitis Now are so proud of them.
“Together they have raised over £ 8,000 which now takes the total of #teamgeorge to over £20,000 for Meningitis Now.”
She added: “We’d like to thank all who have supported #teamgeorge throughout the fundraising by donating raffle prizes, baking cakes, Weymouth and Dorchester Football Clubs for allowing us to do a bucket collection, The Spitfire in Crossways for holding a bingo night, Hairstudio for doing a haircut marathon day, George’s nan Marilyn for running car boot sales every week and Jason Hillier for holding a skittles night.
“We would also like to thank all the people who sponsored and gave up their time to come to London to support the runners.
“I’m really overwhelmed by the support and that people want to run for George and his charity.
“We have another team running the London Marathon in 2017 in George’s name for Meningitis Now. I’m so grateful for the continued support.”
To sponsor Naomi and Martin in their marathon efforts visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MartinPatterson3
For more details visit the charity meningitisnow.org
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