£5000 raised for charity in memory of Kidderminster GP

Paul and Annie Watson from Chaddesley Corbett have raised £5,000 for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) in memory of their GP John Spalding from Kidderminster.

In collaboration with Pedmore Sporting Club in Stourbridge, Paul and Annie raised the impressive funds through hosting 150 guests at a marquee event at their home.

John sadly died in December 2014 from a new and particularly deadly type of meningitis – meningococcal W meningitis and septicaemia (MenW).

John’s wife Di Spalding, who is now a regional Ambassador for the charity, accepted the cheque on behalf of MRF on Tuesday 8 August at the GP practice where John worked.

Paul said, “I was a patient of John’s for 32 years. He was a wonderful GP and it came as a huge shock to everyone when he passed away so suddenly. Everyone in the community was saddened by it and I think that’s why people have been so generous and donated so much.”

Di has been working with MRF to encourage all young people to get their free MenACWY vaccine to protect them from the deadly MenW strain.

Rob Dawson, Head of Support at MRF said, “We’re really grateful to Paul, Annie and the sports club for raising these impressive funds in memory of John. The funds that have been raised will be used to support lifesaving research into the prevention, detection and early treatment of meningitis. It will also allow us to continue raising awareness of the disease and support those affected.”