Oliver, 10, aiming to run up funds in memory of brother

A Fylde schoolboy has donned his running shoes to raise funds in memory of his late elder brother.
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Oliver Dee, 10, from St Annes, has been aiming to clock up 15km by today, April 15, which would have been his brother Edward’s 15th birthday.

Edward died of meningitis, aged 10, in December 2016 and his family has since raised thousands of pounds in his name.

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The Edward Dee Forever Fund for Meningitis Now topped £100,000 to aid research into the disease which claimed his life and the Edward Dee Fund now backs community projects around Fylde, such as a new campfire seating area at Fylde Scouts HQ, where Edward was a keen participant.

Oliver Dee is running 15k over five daysOliver Dee is running 15k over five days
Oliver Dee is running 15k over five days
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Raising even more in Edward's name

Mum Elizabeth Dee, who founded and heads the charity, said: “Fundraising, and indeed raising awareness has been very difficult in recent times, and I thought this was a nice way of not only marking Edward’s 15th birthday, but also raising awareness and funds by harnessing the power of social media.

“Oliver was only six years old when Edward died, and not only lost a big brother, but a playmate too.

“Oliver has helped me on numerous occasions with both fundraising and awareness raising, and wanted to be involved.

Oliver and Edward togetherOliver and Edward together
Oliver and Edward together
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“Running a 15k was a bit extreme for a 10 year old, and so he decided to split the runs into five 3k runs, totalling 15k which he wanted to complete by Edward’s 15th birthday on April 15.

“I set a target of £1,500 - to fit in with the #15forEdward theme, and also because that sum of money would be substantial enough to make an impact in helping others, and the thoughts of the trustees are to support the work of other related charities, who have also fallen on hard times due to Covid.

“The Edward Dee Fund recently donated £5,000 to Meningitis Now, to fund research, and to support families and individuals affected by meningitis.

“The Garden #forEdward in Lytham will hopefully be getting another spruce up and influx of colour very soon; and hopefully the scouts will be able to meet up and use the campfire and seating area which we also funded, but were unable to officially open.

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"Hopefully now as things are starting to open up, things will pick up for the charity as more events will be able to take place.

"I would encourage others to support the #15forEdward challenge, with sponsorship for running, cycling, walking, swimming, whether it be 15k or 1.5k or 15 laps of a field, as not only will this raise vital funds to support the work of this and other related charities, but also will result in much needed awareness of meningitis and sepsis.

Details at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fifteenforedward

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