Run sees cash target smashed in memory of Cricklade dad Wayne Wilson (From Swindon Advertiser)

Run sees cash target smashed in memory of Cricklade dad Wayne Wilson

7:00pm Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Katie Bond

THE memory of Cricklade dad Wayne Wilson will live on, thanks to friends and family who continue to fundraise in his name.

Wayne lost his battle with leukaemia at the age of 26 in January last year.

Following his death, his friends, led by Damien Davis, got together to form Team Wayne and set themselves a goal of raising £2,000 to support Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

But this week, their fundraising total swelled to almost £13,500 after the team completed the Great South Run.

Friends Kevin Giles, Trevor Savory and Damien, as well as Wayne’s brothers Carl Wright and Shaun Wilson, all took part in the event and raised an additional £1,000.

Damien, who has completed the race twice before, said: “Regardless of times and places, all the boys are winners. Over £1,000 has been raised taking the Team Wayne grand total to almost £13,500, which is brilliant.

“It was a fabulous day out in Portsmouth, albeit a cold, wet and windy one. We’d like to thank Kay and Den for organising the minibus and to all the family and friends who came along to support the boys. Thanks also to everyone who has sponsored the team with your generous donations – your continued generosity is very much appreciated. Wayne’s memory truly does live on. The support has been overwhelming and I am so proud to be part of this team.”

Kevin was the fastest runner of the group, completing the 10-mile race around Portsmouth in one hour 39 minutes 4 seconds, coming in 9,949th out of 25,000.

Team Wayne’s first fundraising challenge took place early last year when the boys took on The Three Peaks Challenge and ended up climbing the wrong mountain, suffering injuries and being forced to call out mountain rescue after taking a wrong turn.

Earlier this year, Damien was selected to carry the Olympic torch following his fundraising efforts which have seen him complete a number of runs and organise several events in Cricklade.

For more about Team Wayne, visit teamwayne.co.uk and to sponsor them for the Great South Run, visit justgiving.com/DamoGSR2012.