Couple’s Marathon Effort for Ceri Raises Thousands for Jigsaw (South East)

A big-hearted couple’s fundraising effort has raised almost £4000 for a child bereavement charity, supporting the family of their friend who died earlier this year.

Last month Mike and Monica Binning took part in the Great North Run Reimagined, in memory of Ceri Weston. They each ran a half.  “We’ve just received the final fundraising figure of £3833,” says Monica. “We’re both incredibly proud and grateful to everyone who sponsored us, no matter the donation size. It’s the most money we’ve raised from fundraising activity, and we’re pleased it’s going to a deserving charity such as Jigsaw (South East)”

Their great friend Ceri Weston, from Ewell in Surrey, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer* in 2014, a week after the birth of her second child. For five and a half years, she campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the illness. Tragically in June of this year, aged 40, she died leaving behind husband Gary and sons Austin, 7 and Leo, 5.

“We’ll always remember Ceri’s laugh; her love for family and how she maximised every minute she had with her boys, knowing her time was limited,” says Monica. “She was courageous; she fought so hard and didn’t complain, despite the considerable pain and side effects from treatment.”

Sophie Bewley is Jigsaw (South East) ‘s Fundraising lead. She said: “This was an amazing effort and we thank Mike and Monica. Their fundraising will make a huge difference to our work with children and young people who are bereaved, and those preparing for loss”.

The Binning’s, who live in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, both work for Barclays Corporate Bank, who fund matched to a total of £1750.49. This doubled Mike and Monica’s fundraising effort and with Gift Aid added brings the total up to £3833.

You can still support Mike and Monica’s run by visiting the just giving page here

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