Businessman running in memory of daughter reaches fundraising milestone

A local businessman looking to raise more than £5,000 in the memory of his daughter, has passed the halfway mark of his fundraising goal.

Paul Reeves (pictured), former head of customer banking for Yorkshire Bank, has raised £2,834 for charity Meningitis Now, ahead of a number of endurance challenges he will be taking on in a bid to raise cash.

Paul, now non-executive director for Morecambe Bay Wines and Cannock Chase Chamber executive committee member, is looking to raise cash by running the London Marathon in October and the Stafford half-marathon in September in memory of his daughter Rhiannon, who tragically passed away last year.

Rhiannon Gaunlett contracted bacterial meningitis in February 2020, leaving behind her then eight-month old daughter, Lilith Gauntlett.

On passing the milestone, Paul said: "The support the family have received from everyone is just amazing and we are so grateful for the generosity shown.

"Training is going really well and I am averaging 50 miles per week at the moment and getting a long run of 15 miles plus under my belt weekly to."

Alongside the running challenges, Paul and his family are also looking to host a memorial fundraising in Rhiannon 's home town of Stone, once Covid restrictions ease in late summer.

To donate to Paul's campaign, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/RhiannonGauntlett