A FLEDGLING charity, set up in memory of a courageous Colchester cricketer, has already helped dozens of people.

The Rob George Foundation was set up only a year ago in memory of Colchester-resident Rob who died aged just 21 from leukaemia.

In that time the charity has already helped 40 youngsters with life-threatening illnesses by giving them financial support and advice.

The foundation has received many donations, with the latest coming from social enterprise Provide’s community funding scheme.

Claire Aldridge, a service manager with Provide, nominated the charity for the donation through her position with the company.

She said: “The foundation is dedicated to the memory of Rob George who sadly lost his battle against Leukaemia at the age of 21, just a year ago.

“Although I never met Rob I have been so impressed by hearing of how, throughout his illness, he showed great concern for others who did not have the financial advice and support he had.

“His parents Lorraine and Philip have taken his desire to help others forward by creating this foundation, which has already helped a number of young people and their families coping with a serious or terminal illness.”

Philip George, trustee of the Rob George Foundation said: “Although we are a very young charity, we have already been able to support more than 40 deserving young people.

“Every penny of the donation from Provide will be used to help other young people; in one week alone we received no less than ten applications for support.

“On behalf both of Rob’s family and of the Foundation’s trustee’s, a very sincere thanks to all at Provide”

The Rob George Foundation offers financial and practical support to young people with life threatening illnesses and also supports young people in the worlds of sport or performing arts who find themselves held back by their financial position.

To find out more about the charity go to therobgeorgefoundation.org