Parents aim to make sure little Ryan did not die in vain
23.04.10
THE parents of three-year-old Ryan Johnson have spoken of their devastating loss after meningitis suddenly claimed the life of their blond-haired "cheeky little chap".
Ryan had shown no signs of illness as he enjoyed a day with his family - running around a rugby pitch, leading his sister's pony and tucking into his tea.
But just hours later he was critically ill in Bristol Children's Hospital with meningococcal septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease.
It took hold in front of the eyes of his family and the medical staff who battled to save the little boy. But despite every effort, he died surrounded by everyone who loved him.
Today his funeral service is taking place, with donations being received for research into the disease that struck so rapidly.
Ryan's parents, Sarah and Tyrone, his brothers Aaron, 19, and Cameron, who will be nine on Sunday, and sister Lydia, whose 15th birthday is tomorrow, are raising money in memory of little Ryan for Bristol-based charity Meningitis UK.
The Downend family have opened a Forever Fund to help in the campaign to eradicate the disease and are also selling wristbands to family and friends.
Read the full story in the Bristol Evening Post.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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