Telford runners raise thousands in memory of Georgia Williams

Cheques were presented to members of the Georgia Williams Trust before the start of the 5K race.

Money raised through The Great Georgia Park Run in Telford's Town Park is expected to reach £5,000.

The event had to be cancelled at the 11th hour two weeks ago because a freak thunderstorm but runners returned in huge numbers to take part in Saturday's reorganised event in memory of the murdered teenager.

Georgia's mother, Lynnette, made short and emotional speech before the event after receiving two cheques for nearly £3,000 from two Telford groups.

She said: "It's an amazing amount of money to raise and we are just so overwhelmed by how many people have turned up."

The Special Constables Running Club presented a cheque for £1,650 and Telford Harrier donated £1,000.

HOW TO GIVE TO THE GEORGIA WILLIAMS APPEAL:

It's easy to give:

• By text: Text FERR31 followed by the amount you want to give to 70070 - for example, to give £5, text FERR31£5

• By post: Send a cheque payable to The Georgia Williams Trust to Georgia Appeal, Newsdesk, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford TF1 5HU

• From your bank account: Log on to thegeorgiawilliamstrust.org for details

Money raised from the individual sponsorship and the sale of special Georgia Williams Trust T-shirts and hoodies are expected to raise the final total to more than £5,000.

Richard Langton, chairman of the trust, said: "It's a lovely way to remember the memory of Georgia who was a very athletic person.

"Race director Chris Richards, from the Telford Park Runners, was kind enough to accommodate us.

"The runs have been held in park since February last year and regularly attract up to 300 people, so with the people who have come specifically for this run we think there's about 500 runners taking part.

"It's great to know that Georgia has inspired so many people to take up running for the first time.

"You can't just run a five kilometre race. You have to train for it. Georgia was a very sporty girl so this is an incredibly fitting way to remember her.

"All the funds go towards a grant programme, for people who live, work or go to school in Telford & Wrekin, who want to challenge themselves to a new activity.

"It's not means tested and it's open to any aged between 11 and 18. The process is very simple and more information can be found on our website."

The event marked the first year of fundraising in memory of 17-year-old Georgia, who was murdered in May last year by 23-year-old Jamie Reynolds, a man she considered her friend.

For information about the trust and how to give, visit www.thegeorgiawilliamstrust.org