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Ryan's appeal races to £20,000

15.10.10

A TRIBUTE fund in memory of a Bristol toddler who died from meningitis has topped the £20,000 mark thanks to an ongoing fundraising campaign.

The latest event held in memory of Ryan Johnson was a family fun day at the Railway Tavern in Fishponds which raised £1,880.

Ryan's family say they have been overwhelmed by the support of the local community since Ryan died in April, aged three.

The speed at which he fell ill prompted the massive fundraising drive for Meningitis UK and its vaccine research work.

The aim is to find a vaccine for the strain Ryan died from – meningitis B – in the hope that future generations will be protected from the devastating brain bug.

Family friend Carmel Richards, from Fishponds, organised Ryan's Day at the Railway Tavern and said: "The pub and the garden was packed, which showed the tremendous support we received.

"All the local businesses were great too with Morrisons in Fishponds donating 500 rolls and Coop in Downend giving us 250 sausages and burgers.

"It's amazing that people who didn't know Ryan or his family are so willing to give. I think that what happened to him has really struck a chord with people and they realise the importance of finding a vaccine to protect people in the future."

Ryan's parents, Sarah and Tyrone, brothers Aaron and Cameron and sister Lydia have opened a Forever Fund to help with the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7 million for research into vaccine development for all forms of meningitis.

Rhodri Davies, fundraising manager at Meningitis UK, said: "We're really grateful for this latest fundraising effort. To raise almost £2,000 in one day is a huge achievement.

"Everyone's dedication to Meningitis UK in memory of Ryan has been remarkable and raising over £20,000 in just six months is no mean feat.

"Every penny of this will go towards finding a vaccine to save valuable lives in the future."

The next event will be a dinner, disco and auction in December to mark Ryan's birthday.

To make a donation to Ryan's Forever Fund, visit www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.com and search for Ryan Johnson.