Road run in memory of Jasmine
30.04.10
A GROUP of brightly coloured runners will be taking to the streets of Glastonbury this Sunday in memory of popular youngster Jasmine Clare.
Friends and family of the seven-year-old, who died suddenly from meningitis in January, will be participating in the Glastonbury Road Run wearing t-shirts with her photo on the back to help raise awareness of the devastating disease.
Jasmine, a pupil at St John's Infant School, died just 36 hours after she was photographed playing in the snow.
Her parents Simon and Dina, with the support of friends and family, have since raised over £3,500 for Meningitis UK and its work to find a vaccine for Meningitis B - the strain which Jasmine fell ill with.
Dina will be joined by around 25 colleagues from The Works and her Rainbow group, all dressed in bright pink t-shirts and tutus.
She said: "It will be an emotional day because I ran the mile with Jasmine last year. She really enjoyed it and I know she would be proud of us all for taking part.
"We've been amazed by how everyone's rallied round to raise money for Meningitis UK in her memory.
"I think the speed at which she fell ill, with very little warning, really shocked people and they want to help in whatever way possible.
"We want to do our best to help find a vaccine but also to raise awareness. People have to be vigilant to the symptoms and act quickly if they suspect meningitis."
The £3,500 raised so far has been through a whole host of fundraising activities, including a bingo night, school collection, quiz night, collection boxes and friend Katri Healy raised over £200 by doing the Bath Half Marathon.
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 Jasmine are really remarkable. To organise such a variety of events is no mean feat.
"What happened to Jasmine 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 memory of Jasmine, or for further information about meningitis, contact Meningitis UK on 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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