Thousands raised in run inspired by Ryan

The family of Ryan Fordy, who died from meningococcal septicaemia at the age of two, 20 years ago, ran the Great North Run last month to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) in his memory.

The 12 took part in the annual event as it is just over 20km – one km to represent each year since Ryan died.

The family is delighted to have overtaken their original fund-raising target of £4,000, raising £5,578.

Kate Collins said: “Twenty years ago, I lost my nephew Ryan to meningitis.

“It has meant so much to us doing the fund-raising and Great North Run as a family.

“We would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated and made our amazing fund-raising total possible.

“This is a charity close to our hearts and we hope the money we raise will help put an end to this terrible disease so that in the future no other family has to go through what we have.”

Pictured above, from left, are John Fordy, Laura Hindmarsh, Stuart Collins, Josh Hall, Kate Collins, Sharon Hinson, Natalie Fordy, Jackie Fordy, Guy Filer and Michael Hindmarsh.

Sarah Filer and Margie Hindmarsh also ran, but are not pictured, and all 12 raised funds for the MRF.

More information about meningitis and septicaemia is available online from www.meningitis.org