Worthing man spends 30th birthday running ultra marathon on his driveway

Giorgio Rigali started at 5am on Monday, running laps of his driveway, and carried on for 24 hours, to pay tribute to his caring mother, Gill Rigali, who sadly died of a heart attack aged 60, on April 4, 2017.

The target was to run 64km, as Gill would have been 64 this month, and to raise awareness of the rare genetic disorder Rett Syndrome.

Giorgio said: “For 60 years, Mum dedicated her life to helping others and was always at her happiest when the people around her were happy and having fun.

“My Virgin Money Giving page has been set up to maintain the legacy that Mum deserves. All money raised will be going to two charities that are incredibly close our family, and more importantly, Mum.”

Freya Cox, Giorgio’s eight-year-old niece, has Rett Syndrome, which affects brain development, resulting in severe mental and physical disability.

Half the money he raises will go to Rett UK, which supports families affected by Rett Syndrome, and half will go to Brimble Hill School in Swindon, where Freya is a pupil.

Giorgio said: “Although Freya is the most loved child in the world and is incredibly cheerful and happy, she will never walk or talk and will require full-time care for the rest of her life.

“It is vital that Freya and other children have the support they need.

“Although the saying ‘every little helps’ is correct, I want to do better and help fund significant changes for both of these charities, hence the ambitious target of £100,000, with no time limit.”

Giorgio has so far raised around £6,000. Future events and activities will help drive the fundraising towards the target.

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GiorgioRigali for more information and to make a donation.

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