Great running challenge raises £2,500 in memory of Layton
21.09.10
A GROUP of seven runners conquered the Great North Run and raised over £2,500 in memory of Sunderland baby Layton John Cleaver.
The youngster, from Grasswell in Houghton-le-Spring, died suddenly from meningitis last October aged just 16 months.
Family and friends have since rallied round to support Meningitis UK and its medical research work to find a vaccine for the strain which killed Layton.
For his parents David Cleaver and Kimberley Heath, the Great North Run was their first attempt at a half marathon.
They wore t-shirts emblazoned with Layton's photograph and were overwhelmed by everyone's support on the day.
They were joined by family members Nicola Burrell, Leanne Philips and Steven Philips, plus friends Shona Cummings and Shamin Ali.
Kim, 22, said: "The atmosphere was fantastic all the way round. Between us we will have raised £2,500 which is fantastic and we're so grateful to everyone who's sponsored us.
"When I crossed the finish line and saw my parents coming towards me I just burst into tears. I know Layton would have been proud of us.
"The money raised from the Great North Run will take our total raised for Meningitis UK to over £13,000. Having the fundraising to focus on has been really helpful and it's literally got us through the tough months since Layton died."
A hospital investigation is still ongoing after Layton was sent home from Sunderland General with bronchiolitis five days before he died.
David and Kim took him to hospital four days later when he had the classic symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia - a pin-prick rash had begun to appear, he had a high temperature, was very sleepy and had cold hands and feet.
Again, a doctor diagnosed bronchiolitis and he was sent home, but he started to be sick soon after and was rushed back to hospital where he died in the early hours of October 27.
His family have since pledged their support to Meningitis UK and hope their efforts will help find a vaccine to protect future generations from the deadly brain bug, which can kill in under four hours.
All the money raised in Layton's memory will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which 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: "Well done to Kim, David and the rest of their group for a sterling effort in the Great North Run.
"Everyone's efforts in memory of Layton are really remarkable. We've been touched by their dedication to the cause since their heartbreaking loss.
"What happened to Layton sadly illustrates the speed at which meningitis can strike, and the impact a vaccine could have.
"Every penny they raise will go towards finding this vaccine and achieving our ultimate goal of sparing people the heartache of losing a loved one to meningitis."
To make a donation to the Forever Fund set up in Layton's memory, visit www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.com and search for Layton John Cleaver.
Or for more information on meningitis, please call Meningitis UK on 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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