South Shields schoolgirl’s fundraiser in memory of dad who died on Christmas Day

Eli-Jo House, 13, was the inspiration behind the charity’s Christmas Star of Hope appeal after losing her dad to a Crohn’s related illness on Christmas Day, 2017.

Matt Fryer was 38 when he passed away from sepsis while he was receiving treatment for the condition at St Mark’s Hospital in London.

In June 2018, Eli-Jo was named Crohn’s and Colitis UK’s Young Fundraiser of the Year after she raised £800 through the Junior Great North Run and the national Christmas appeal went onto raise £53,000 to help fund vital research and support those affected.

Now the inspirational youngster is organising her first fundraising event with Kerri Ann Katopodis at Club Del Mar on Ocean Road, South Shields on Saturday, February 1 - with the hopes of taking the total up to £55,000.

“I would be on top of the world if I could raise that much,” said Eli-Jo.

“It’s just about raising awareness of the condition and it helps me cope with the grief as well, by giving me something to focus on.”

She added: “It will be very nerve-racking and I think I’ll be a bit emotional on the day, but I’m really excited as well.”

Eli-Jo has become well known for her fundraising efforts over the last year, with several friends and teachers at Harton Academy getting on board, and now she says people living with the condition have reached out to her.

“It’s just amazing to know that it is actually helping people, it really does make it all worthwhile to know I have made a difference in someone’s life,” she said.

The event will kick off with a charity Metafit class hosted by fitness instructor Caroline Nicholson at 10am, followed by stalls, entertainment and face painting from 1pm-5pm.

Friends, family and neighbours have rallied round, with a significant number of raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

“People have really gotten on board and are being very generous,” said mum, Jenny House.

“We’re hoping we can get plenty of people through the door on the day.”