130 golfers on course to raise over £5,000 for Ruby
06.05.11
A FUNDRAISING day at Tall Pines Golf Club in Somerset looks set to raise over £5,000 in memory of Yatton toddler Ruby Burrell, who died from meningitis last year.
Around 130 golfers are signed up for the event on May 20, which will add to the £12,000 already raised for Meningitis UK.
The beautiful 21-month-old was struck down by the brain bug on January 17 and died within hours of showing any symptoms.
Ruby's parents Mark and Helen say they've been touched by everyone's support and hope their efforts will help to save thousands of lives in the future.
Mark said: "When Ruby died everyone felt a bit helpless. We've found that organising events allows people to lend their support by doing something positive.
"I'm a member of the golf course and play regularly so it seemed the right way to get everyone involved. I'm really pleased that 130 people have signed up and we're hopefully going to raise over £5,000 through entry fees, the sponsorship of holes and a raffle.
"A big thank you to everyone taking part and to those who have sponsored a hole or made a donation."
Mark and Helen rushed Ruby to Weston General Hospital when she developed a high temperature and a rash began to appear on her arm, just hours after she'd been happily playing with her big sister Millie.
Ruby died from the group B strain of meningococcal septicaemia, which occurs when meningococcal bacteria enter the blood strain and multiply uncontrollably, poisoning the blood and completely overwhelming the immune system damaging the blood vessels, tissues and organs.
There are vaccines for Meningitis C, Hib and pneumococcal meningitis but there is still no protection from Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK.
Mark said: "It was so hard to comprehend that this devastating disease had taken her precious life in a matter of hours.
"Ruby was such a happy child, full of cheeky smiles and giggles. She truly touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.
"We know there was nothing more that we or the doctors could have done which is why a vaccine is the only way to safeguard lives in the future."
Friends of the couple are also planning a mammoth cycle ride from Yatton to Paris, which begins on June 25 from the French capital and covers over 300 miles in seven days.
Graham Goodhind and Stephen Collings are each aiming to raise £1,000 for Meningitis UK.
Stephen said: "There are a total of 12 of us cycling for different charities. It's generated a lot of interest and Clive's newsagents in Yatton have offered to put a board up tracking our progress so the locals can see how we're getting on.
"It started out fairly low key but a lot of people are interested now and want to help."
Caroline Hobden and her son Luke Hobden are also running the Bristol 10k on May 15.
All the money raised in memory of Ruby will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign. It aims to raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against all forms of meningitis.
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "It's fantastic that so many people have signed-up for the golf day and it looks set to be a great day. Everyone's efforts in memory of Ruby are really remarkable.
"What happened to Ruby sadly illustrates the speed at which meningitis can strike, with very few symptoms to distinguish the disease from more common illnesses.
"The devastation experienced by her family reinforces the importance of finding a vaccine sooner rather than later.
"Every penny they raise will go towards this single focus and our ultimate goal to spare people the heartache of losing a loved one to meningitis."
To make a donation to the Forever Fund set up in Ruby's memory, visit www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.com and search for Ruby Burrell.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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