A Thetford priest has raised �2,000 for charity in appreciation of the support he received while growing up in India.

Father Matthew George, of St Mary’s Catholic Church, surpassed his target of �1,000 during his first participation in the Great North Run on Sunday.

The money raised will be donated to CAFOD, a catholic aid agency which raises money for development projects around the world.

Father George said: “When I was growing up in India, we received generous support from CAFOD’s sister agency CARITAS India and for me this was a way of saying thank you, and helping others to benefit from their work in the poorest countries today.

“I had hoped to raise �1,000 but am proud to say I have received a lot of support from my parishioners and managed to raise twice as much. People are always eager to help and this is evidence of the spirit of sharing in communities.”

Father George, who has lived in Norfolk for six years, said people in Thetford had shown a great understanding of the issues which cause poverty in developing countries, and were determined to help bring positive change in people’s lives. “The spirit of giving and generosity that people show in events such as the Great North Run is a good example of the humanity that the church teaches every day, and a tremendous example of people living out their faith,” he said.

For more information about CAFOD, visit the website at www.cafod.org.uk.