In The News

Generous response in wake of marathon tragedy

Generous response in wake of marathon tragedy

THOUSANDS of people have given money to a charity in tribute to runner Rob Berry, who died after taking part in the London Marathon.

The 42-year-old father of two from Newbury, Berkshire, had collapsed at the finish line of the event. After receiving emergency treatment he was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The IT consultant had asked supporters to make donations to the National Osteoporosis Society. On his Just Giving page (see below), Mr. Berry had said he had chosen the charity: “for the support given to my mother who was diagnosed with Osteoporosis at the age of 52”.

Mr. Berry had set his fund-raising target at £1,700, but this was quickly surpassed as thousands of people made donations in tribute to him.

More than £73,000 pounds has already been donated. Many of the 6,000-plus people who have given money have also left moving messages on the website.

Among the messages was one which read: “Your death was not in vain. You will help so many osteoporosis sufferers, and your family must be incredibly proud of you.” Another visitor stated: “My thoughts go out to Rob’s family. I hope the other messages and all the generous donations made on this site offer some comfort to you and that his sad passing has not been in vain.”

The National Osteoporosis Society has expressed its gratitude for the generous response from the public.

In a statement the Society said: “We are really touched by the incredible generosity in tribute to Mr Berry, who wrote so movingly about why he was raising money to help fight osteoporosis. When the time is right, we would like to discuss with his family the options available for how the funds raised in his memory may be used.”

To visit Mr. Berry’s Just Giving page, click here.

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