Running the hard miles for Meningitis Now in memory of George
Many things may have changed in these strange days but one thing remains the same. And that’s the brilliant effort our supporters make to help raise awareness of meningitis and funds for our vital ongoing work
Our fantastic Community Ambassador Emma Moore, who sadly lost her son George to meningococcal septicaemia in 2013, has, with the help of family and friends, been fighting back against meningitis since then.
The Forever Fund she set up in George’s memory now stands at £80,000, and has recently been boosted by the proceeds of two sponsored runs.
Emma told us: “The first one was by my sister-in-law Abi Kos, who ran 13 miles in September and raised £1,353.44.
“She was meant to be taking part in the Blackpool Half Marathon but due to this being postponed and then cancelled she decided to run it around our local area instead.
“I rode alongside her on my bike to carry her drink and to collect donations along the way. She completed the run in 2 hours and 13 minutes.”
This was followed by Emma’s work colleague and family friend Nathan Jones, who was inspired by Abi’s efforts to undergo his own sponsored run.
He ran the 10 miles from Darwen to Ramsbottom on Saturday 15 November and, Emma tells us, has raised £817.27 so far.
“It was a very hilly route across the tops of Darwen and as he only took up running last year he did amazingly well to complete it in 1 hour 24 minutes! He was joined by his brother-in-law John Paul Lander, who also ran alongside him for moral support.”
Determination and strength
Emma added: “Both Abi and Nathan trained so hard for these runs and did incredibly well with both their determination and strength. I know I for one certainly wouldn’t be able to run that far non-stop, I think it would kill me off!
“Both Abi and Nathan also said the thought of George running with them and picturing his little face really spurred them on throughout their run – he was their inspiration as he remains mine."
Abi said, “As well as smiling and laughing all the time, George loved going to the Blackpool illuminations with his family before he was tragically taken by meningitis at just 10 months old. That’s why I wanted to run the Blackpool Half Marathon and raise funds on behalf of Meningitis Now, to help them in their fight against meningitis.”
Emma added: “George made us so proud with his beaming smile, adorable giggle, quirky personality and loving nature. He was a delight to be around and could always raise a smile from anyone he met. I'll treasure forever the memories we shared and the joy he brought into all our lives.
“I’d also like to give a big thank you to all our friends and family for their donations and for helping Meningitis Now in such hard times.”
So would we, Emma. Thank you everyone for your support – we really appreciate it.
For more on George’s story and to donate to his fund visit his Forever Fund here.
