A fundraising page set up for a hugely popular Norfolk runner who suffered a stroke during an ultra-race has smashed through the £14,000 mark.

Eastern Daily Press: Bungay Black Dog Marathon winner Andy Kett.Bungay Black Dog Marathon winner Andy Kett. (Image: Archant)

Andy Kett, a self-employed sports massage therapist and member of the North Norfolk Beach Runners (NNBR) club, had been taking part in the Chiltern Wonderland 50 - a 50-mile race in the Buckinghamshire area - when he became ill.

Mr Kett, a former paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, had got up to eighth place in the race after 38 miles but something went wrong at around 43 miles.

A fellow runner spotted him struggling and went to help, noticing immediately that he was not well.

The medics were called and he was rushed to hospital in Oxford, before being transferred to London where it was established Mr Kett had suffered a stroke.

Mr Kett, from Sheringham, remains in hospital but has since been moved back to Norwich where he is undergoing treatment following his stroke.

Following the incident, which happened on Saturday, September 16, Clive Hedges, chairman of the NNBR, set up a Go Fund Me page to help Mr Kett and his family during his recovery.

It was hoped the appeal would help raise £3,000 but, as of Friday (September 22) afternoon, £14,840 had been raised by almost 500 people in just a couple of days.

Mr Hedges, who described the money raised as 'unbelievable', said: 'I just feel the need to express how grateful we, as a club are, but more importantly how grateful Andy's family are.

'This amount of funding will reduce the immediate worry and allow them to concentrate on Andy's recovery.

'You have all proved to us what a huge family of friends Andy has, not just in the amazing running fraternity but also from his days as a paramedic and fitness instructor.'

Mr Kett's family are understood to be overwhelmed by the amount of money raised and extremely grateful for the 'amazing' support they have received at this difficult time.

Friends of Mr Kett, who in April this year won the 34th Bungay Black Dog Marathon, have been advised that he is not yet ready for visitors.

Go to https://www.gofundme.com/6ge56-andys-fund to find out more.