GOLDEN couple Sarah and Nick Dempsey have raised £1,200 towards eradicating meningitis.

The Olympians, from Weymouth, auctioned a collection of their old sailing clothes at Castle Cove Sailing Club’s end of winter dinner to raise money for Meningitis UK.

Sarah became the charity’s patron last year, when she revealed how the devastating bug left her in a coma for three days at the age of 15.

As part of her ongoing support, she and Nick decided they would see if anyone wanted to buy their surplus garments.

Sarah, who is expecting her first baby next month, said: “I was so surprised at people’s generosity and how much they were prepared to pay for my old sailing gear.

“It just highlights that people are prepared to give more when they know it’s for such a worthy cause.

“It was my idea because we have so many clothes.

“I was going to give them away to a good home but thought we should try and auction them.

“To raise £1,200 was fantastic thanks to everyone’s generosity.

“The auction was really well received and all the club members had a good night.”

Steve Dayman, the chief executive of Meningitis UK, travelled to Castle Cove Sailing Club to collect the cheque.

Sara Lloyd, the club’s commodore, and Hazel Shaw, the club’s secretary, were also on hand to pledge their support.

Steve, whose son Spencer died from the disease, said: “Sarah’s support since becoming a patron has been second to none.

“We really appreciate all her and Nick’s efforts.

“To raise £1,200 in one night is remarkable and our thanks also go to the members of Castle Cove Sailing Club for their generosity.

He added: “Our ultimate goal is to spare people the heartache thousands of families have suffered by losing a loved one to meningitis.”