Kidderminster man climbing mountains in memory of his dad

26 year old Rich Spalding from Kidderminster has completed the Lake District 10 Peaks challenge to raise funds for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) in memory of his dad, John Spalding.

The 10 peaks is a real test of endurance involving difficult terrain and steep ascents, including, England's tallest peak Scafell Pike. Rich along with three of his friends, James Andrews, Matt Modley and Ben Preece, completed the challenge on the first May bank holiday.

The group previously completed the Yorkshire 3 peaks in summer of 2015 for the same cause. They have now raised almost £5,000 for MRF. Donations are still being gratefully accepted at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/John-Spalding1959.

John Spalding was a GP in Kidderminster and sadly died from a particularly deadly strain of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia (menW), at the age of 55, just two days before Christmas in 2014.

MenW is on the rise in the UK and Rich’s mum, Di Spalding, has become an Ambassador for MRF and she is raising awareness of the MenACWY vaccine which can prevent MenW. Di says, “The only way to stop it is by preventing it through vaccination. Teenagers and first year uni students should get their free vaccine and everyone should be aware of the symptoms because anyone is at risk.”

Media contact

Elaine Devine - Director of Advocacy, Communications & Support

Tel: 0333 405 6248

elained@meningitis.org

Email Me