A CHARITY set up in memory of talented Colchester cricketer Rob George has been given a £1,000 boost.

The Rob George Foundation has raised over £250,000 since Rob, a popular member of Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club, died of leukaemia aged 21 in 2013.

Now Essex builder Persimmon Homes has donated £1,000 to the charity as part of its Community Champions project.

Rob’s father, Philip George, said: “We are extremely grateful for this generous donation.

“We will use this money to support other young people suffering with serious illnesses, or who are committed to sport or the performing arts.

“We know this is what Rob wanted.”

Norman Sharpe, Persimmon sales and marketing director, said the initiative exists to support people who live in areas the company works in.

He said: “We are very proud to hand over this donation to the Rob George Foundation, which is an extremely worthy cause.

“They are doing some fantastic work in the community and it’s a pleasure to help.”

Groups and charities interested in applying for funding as part of the Community Champions project must complete an online form at persim monhomes.com/charity

To donate to the Rob George Foundation, go to the rob georgefoundati.ipage.com/wordpress/