VILLAGERS in Higham have given a big boost to local marathon man Geoff Balfour, handing over £650 to the Meningitis Trust.

The 50-year-old sales executive has taken part in all 20 runnings of the London marathon, raising more than £17,000 for the Trust in memory of his son, Michael, who died from the disease at the age of 14.

Local couples Garry and Judith Gluyas and John and Diane Duxbury, held a social event in the village in March to raise money. Villagers rallied round and the result was yesterday's presentation to Geoff at a buffet at Garry and Judith's home.

Geoff (front left) is pictured with Garry and other supporters.