SUPER swimmer Josef Craig made waves for a group of generous Jarrovians.
The teenage gold medal winner in the S7 400m Freestyle at the Paralympic Games in London received a cash boost from members of Bamburgh Grove Social Group, in Jarrow.
Members were so impressed with the local pool star, who also recently clinched the title of BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, that they decided to raise cash to cover Josef’s travel costs.
They staged a series of raffles and other fundraising events to boost the borough golden swimmer, eventually collecting £100 for Josef, who celebrated his 16th birthday last month.
Group secretary Margaret Sayers said: “It was great to have Josef visit our members at our base at Bamburgh Grove communal hall in Jarrow.
“He told us how he got the gold medal and relived the Paralymics for us, which was great. He also had us laughing with his stories.
“Josef is a really lovely lad and our members were more than happy to support him.”
Bamburgh Grove members are planning to create a gold-coloured box, to collect more cash for the borough swimming star.
More than 40 members went along to see the South Tyneside swimming star, who now has his sights set on the Paralympic World Championships in Canada, in August.
Kim Craig, Josef’s mother, said: “It was lovely meeting the service users at Bamburgh Grove.
“The members were really lovely and Josef enjoyed himself.
“The donation will go into a fund for his travel costs and expenses.”
The Jarrow pool star also recently received a £200 training boost from residents at sheltered complex Patrick Cain House, in South Eldon Street, South Shields.
Twitter: @terrykelly16
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