Thanks to everyone who has donated so far. Here is an update on what's happened since you started to donate. Before the donations even really started to come in, we sent $1000 so the body of the deceased runner, Ashagre Girma, to be sent to his hometown of Arsi and for the funeral expenses.
Just minutes ago, we sent over another $4,000 - even though we haven't raised $5000 yet - as Damtew Tilahun, the most seriously injured runner with the severe head and neck injuries, needed to be taken to a private hospital which requires a $4000 up-front payment to admit him and diagnose his treatment. The email I received said "We don't have time (to waste). Now every second is important to save Damtew's life."
So we've already paid out $5,000 and have barely cracked the $4,000 level in donations. So please consider donating.
The good news is that the news of the accident is spreading. Yonas Mekonnon appeared on BBC radio yesterday to talk about the tragedy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03pdff0
The coach of the runners also appeared on Ethiopian television this morning.
I'll update you on the information we receive from the private hospital.
You can donate here:
https://www.youcaring.com/several-ethiopian-distance-runners-546679