March 31, 2014 10.41 am This story is over 119 months old

Minion to run Lincoln 10K for charity

Not so despicable: A Lincoln businessman will be running the Lincoln 10K dressed as a ‘minion’ for a local charity.

A Lincoln boy who is battling cancer will see his favourite film character run the Lincoln 10K in aid of his charity this week.

Ethan Maull (10) will watch from the sidelines as the owner of Bar Unico, Gio Carchedi (30), competes in the race dressed as a minion from the Despicable Me animated film.

Gio, a former professional footballer, is collecting sponsors and donations in aid of the Ethan Maull ‘Up Yours to Cancer’ Foundation.

The foundation was set up by Ethan and his family, who live in Torksey near Lincoln, to help raise awareness of osteosarcoma after he was diagnosed with the rare form of children’s bone cancer in December 2012.

Since launching in August 2013, The Ethan Maull ‘Up Yours to Cancer!’ Foundation has raised over £60,000. It provides toys and gifts for children on E39 Ward at Nottingham Children Hospital where Ethan receives care.

The foundation is also raising funds to purchase a property to be called Ethan’s House to be used by families while their children undergo extensive treatment.

Sponsorship donations are currently being taken at Bar Unico in St Benedict’s Square in Lincoln’s city centre.

Donations can also be made by texting EMUP10 followed by the amount of your donation to 70070, or visiting the Just Giving page.

Gio said: “I was very touched by Ethan’s story and I’m delighted to be raising funds for his very worthy cause.

“I’ve received a lot of donations so far from my family, friends and customers, and I’m hoping to raise even more money in the run-up to the race.

“I’m really grateful for the support so far which is spurring me on to complete the race in a respectable time!”

Ethan’s mother, Sam Maull, said: “We are very grateful to have Gio and his local business for raising funds for us.

“We’re very moved by the support we’ve received from all of our friends and family, and even strangers who have heard about the foundation.”

The 18th annual Lincoln 10K race will take place on Sunday, April 6 at 11am.