Ruby's fundraising legacy
06.09.10
THE TRAGIC death of Somerset toddler Ruby Burrell from meningitis earlier this year has spurred on a community fundraising drive in her memory.
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The beautiful 21-month-old was struck down by the brain bug on January 17 and died within hours of showing any symptoms.
Her sudden death has prompted friends and family to raise money for Meningitis UK and its vaccine research work.
Parents Mark and Helen Burrell say they've been touched by everyone's support and hope their efforts will help to save thousands of lives in the future.
Richard Pearse, Chris Broome, Luke Ford, Steve Owen and Nigel Jones took part in the Bristol Half Marathon on September 5 and their efforts will add to the £2,500 already raised through a tribute fund set up in Ruby's memory.
The week afterwards, on September 11, Steve Martin has organised for over 25 people to conquer Mount Snowdon to raise money for both Meningitis UK and Claverham Cricket Club Youth Section.
Mark, 45, said: "All our friends in the village and people at the cricket club knew Ruby so her death has impacted a lot of people.
"I'm climbing Mount Snowdon myself and it helps to feel that we're doing something positive in her memory.
"It's something that the village is doing as a community and we're hoping the climb will raise over £3,000."
Mark recalled how Ruby had been perfectly well in the morning, swimming and playing with her older sister Millie, now seven.
She spent the afternoon watching her favourite Peppa Pig DVD and her parents noticed she was developing a temperature.
Mark explained: "Initially we thought she was just teething. There were no other symptoms to worry us.
"Then we spotted a little bruise on her arm which was like a little pinch. We've since been told that this was the start of septicaemia - the blood poisoning caused by meningitis.
"Ruby was then sick and we noticed another small bruise had appeared so Helen called the hospital. While she was on the phone I noticed a rash begin to appear so we rushed her to Weston General."
The septicaemia was so aggressive that the rash covered Ruby's stomach in no time.
Medical staff treated her with antibiotics straightaway and a team came down from Bristol to help get her ready to be transferred.
Mark said: "They got her stable and a car was waiting outside. Then, all of a sudden, she was gone.
"It was so hard to comprehend that this devastating disease had taken her precious life in a matter of hours.
"Ruby was such a happy child, full of cheeky smiles and giggles. She truly touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.
"We know there was nothing more that we or the doctors could have done which is why a vaccine is the only way to safeguard lives in the future."
Ruby died from the group B strain of meningococcal septicaemia, which occurs when meningococcal bacteria enter the blood strain and multiply uncontrollably, poisoning the blood and completely overwhelming the immune system damaging the blood vessels, tissues and organs.
There are vaccines for Meningitis C, Hib and pneumococcal meningitis but there is still no protection from Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK.
All the money raised in memory of Ruby 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.
Friends and family have raised money through raffles, a pampered chef party, a school disco, horse-drawn carriage drives and through lighting candles.
Money was also donated from the Yatton Masonic Hall and players and staff at the local golf club Tall Pines.
Ruby's toddler friends all lit a candle for Ruby instead of exchanging presents at their joint second birthday party, then they all released a red balloon in her memory.
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "Everyone's efforts in memory of Ruby are really remarkable. To organise and complete these events is no mean feat.
"What happened to Ruby 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 to the Forever Fund set up in Ruby's memory, visit www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.com and search for Ruby Burrell.
Or, to donate straight to the Mount Snowdon challenge, visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Mark Burrell.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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Reply #1 on : Mon January 17, 2011, 23:39:03
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