Georgia's fundraising legacy
06.03.10
THE PARENTS of two-year-old meningitis victim Georgia Keeling have embarked on a fundraising mission in her memory.
The toddler's death hit the headline last August after doctors twice misdiagnosed her as having swine flu.
Now, to help raise awareness of the deadly disease and raise money for vaccine research, her parents Paul Sewell and Tasha Keeling, from Norwich, have lined-up a series of events for Meningitis UK.
The first is a sponsored head-shave at the end of the month, followed by a five-a-side football tournament on April 12.
Paul's dad Douglas Sewell, 41, will be sacrificing his shoulder-length locks and hopes to raise £1,000 and three schools have been lined-up to take part in the football at Norwich's Open Academy.
Paul, 22, said: "My dad's had long hair for around 20 years now and I know a lot of people will be keen to see him have it shaved off.
"We've also organised a raffle and parents' penalty shoot-out for the football, so that should be a good day too.
"It's really helped to be doing something proactive in Georgia's memory. We want to raise awareness and encourage parents to trust their instincts if they sense their child's really poorly."
Georgia initially fell ill with a slight temperature before being sick and coming out in a rash.
Her family contacted their local health centre, the swine flu helpline, NHS Direct, the emergency services and a paramedic.
On two of these occasions they were told she had swine flu, despite Paul and Tasha insisting she had all the symptoms of meningitis.
Paul added: "She had absolutely every symptom of meningitis other than an aversion to bright light.
"By the time the paramedic arrived she was covered in a rash but he came in with Tamiflu so had diagnosed her without even checking her condition.
"If swine flu hadn't been so prevalent then I think our concerns would have been taken more seriously."
Tests have since confirmed that Georgia died of Group A Streptococcal Meningitis, which is a very rare form of the disease.
Her family is awaiting the result of an inquest into her death before taking action against the hospital.
In the meantime they're focusing their attentions on fundraising for Meningitis UK and already have plans for a sponsored speed dating night and Norwich to Paris bike ride later on in the year.
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 all forms of meningitis and its associated diseases.
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "Everyone's efforts in memory of Georgia are really remarkable. To organise these events is no mean feat.
"What happened to Georgia sadly illustrates the speed at which meningitis can strike, with very few symptoms to distinguish the disease from more common illnesses.
"Group A Streptococcus infections can lead to meningitis unfortunately, as appears to have been the case with Georgia.
"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."
Paul's looking for a local social club or pub to act as a venue for the headshave at the end of March. He can be contacted on 07833 604596.
Or, to make a donation in Georgia's memory, contact Meningitis UK on 0117 373 73 73 or send a cheque to Meningitis UK, 25 Cleeve Wood Road, Bristol, BS16 2SF.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
Comments
Comments are temporarily closed for this article