7,000 join group in memory of "little princess" Aaliyah
11.02.10
A HOST of fundraising events have been planned in memory of inspirational youngster Aaliyah Wells, who died from meningitis in November.
Over 7,000 people have joined a Facebook group set up as a tribute to the popular four-year-old from Romford.
The aim is to raise £10,000 for Meningitis UK and its research work to find a vaccine for meningitis B - the strain of the disease which suddenly killed Aaliyah on November 16.
A sponsored walk at Thorndon Park looks set to attract 300 participants on February 21 and a Valentine's Day ball is being held at Mawney Infant and Junior School, in addition to an ongoing sponsored slim.
Over £2,000 has been raised already and Aaliyah's grandmother Elaine Wells says this is a fantastic tribute to their "little princess".
Elaine, of Market Link, said: "We're especially looking forward to the walk and it's very special that everyone's coming together for Aaliyah.
"We always called her our princess and she deserves to be remembered in this way.
"The thought of this happening to anyone else really tears me to pieces. The quicker they can find a vaccine the better, which is why we're rallying round to support Meningitis UK."
Aaliyah had been born without a hip but, despite setbacks and a great deal of pain, she had battled back and just started at school full-time and was walking really well.
She initially fell ill on November 14 with flu-like symptoms with a high temperature. Then at around 9pm she became floppy and pale so was rushed to Queen's Hospital in Romford.
They suspected meningitis straight away and she was given antibiotics to fight the bug but by 9am in the morning she started fitting and slipped into a coma.
She was pronounced brain dead on November 16 and her life support machine was switched off.
Jamie Foster, from Hutton, set up the Facebook page after hearing of the tragedy from Aaliyah's uncle.
He said the response has been phenomenal and he hopes the support will continue.
Jamie added: "I never expected to get 7,000 members. It's been really positive to raise so much awareness.
"I've got a three-year-old so Aaliyah's death really struck a chord with me. It just shows how precious life can be."
T-shirts have been printed for the walk and Jamie's also recruiting cyclists through Facebook to two bike rides taking place over the summer.
All the money raised 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 Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK.
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "Everyone's efforts in memory of Aaliyah are really remarkable. To organise such a variety of events is no mean feat.
"What happened to Aaliyah 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 in Aaliyah's memory, visit www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.com and search for Aaliyah Wells.
Meningitis UK is offering the public free symptoms information packs to help raise awareness. These include a leaflet with all the facts and frequently asked questions, plus a ‘Check the Symptoms' fridge magnet and a handy wallet-sized symptoms card.
To order your free symptoms information pack, please call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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