News & events

• Latest news
  • News archive
  • Fighting for a vaccine in memory of Kayden
  • Meningitis strikes Mossley family twice
  • Motocross in memory of Kelsey
  • Survivor Louise launches Big Stroll at Giants Causeway
  • Running in memory of Ross
  • Brave parents raise awareness in memory of Kadyn
  • Friends and family unite to remember Joél
  • Pounding the pavements in memory of Hannah
  • Meningitis survivor takes on personal swimming challenge
  • Raising awareness of meningitis in memory of Samantha
  • Runners unite for World Meningitis Day
  • Torch bearer Sally swims for the fight against meningitis
  • Take part in the Great North Run
  • Walking in memory of Stuart
  • Families step out for Big Stroll North East
  • Pub punters help stamp out meningitis
  • Meningitis UK welcomes Meningitis B vaccine trial news
  • Families touched by meningitis help launch awareness trailer
  • Motocross fundraiser in Kelsey Smart's memory raises £900
  • Pop starlet Pixie ready for charity jubilee concert
  • Team of cyclists taking on Pembrokeshire Charity Bike Ride in Hannah Gwilliam's memory
• Photo gallery
• Video
• Media centre
• Newsletter
• Supporter DVD
• 10th Anniversary
• Information days
• Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign

News RSS Feed

Sporting and charity events hit £45,000 triumph

27.09.10

A HOST of sporting challenges and other charity events have helped a Bristol family raise over £45,000 in memory of their son.

Popular 16-year-old Ryan Bresnahan died from meningitis in March, just hours after falling ill.

A massive fundraising drive to help find a vaccine for the devastating disease has got off to a flying start.

Over 200 people took part in an It's A Knockout event last weekend which is a further boost after 72 runners completed the Bristol Half Marathon just two weeks before to amass over £15,000 in sponsorship.

Over £28,000 had previously been raised for Ryan's 'a LIFE for a CURE' appeal thanks to a whole host of events, including a hockey tournament, golf day and many other events and donations from a whole host of people.

Ryan's parents John and Michelle, from Leigh Woods, have joined forces with Bristol-based Meningitis UK to put a halt to the brain bug.

They hope their fundraising efforts will mark the next chapter in Ryan's life and help spare thousands from falling ill with meningitis in the future.

The next event to be held takes place on Tuesday (SEPT 28) when a number of Ryan's former rugby team at Clifton College take on Bristol Grammar School to compete for the Ryan Bresnahan Memorial Trophy.

John said: "Ryan was an all round and exceptional sportman, greatly loved and admired by his team mates who are delighted to be playing this match in his honour.

"He will be there with Clifton's 1st XV on the evening as they proudly display Ryan's logo 'a LIFE for a CURE' on their shirts.

"The support we've had from all his friends and family has been phenomenal. All the events we've organised so far will become annual and their success is a testament to how popular he was.

"Everyone's enjoyed competing and, although they're emotional events, it's fantastic to see people rally round in Ryan's memory."

The rugby encounters are taking place at Clifton Rugby Club, near Cribbs Causeway, from 5.30pm.

The night will get underway with a short match between the under nines and 10s from both schools, before the first XV play at 7.15pm.

The winners will receive the Ryan Bresnahan Memorial Trophy from Rugby celebrity and former England and British Lions Hooker Mark Regan.

Tickets are available on the night and cost £3 for adults or £2 for children.

All the money raised through 'a LIFE for a CURE' 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.

To find out more about the 'a LIFE for a CURE' campaign, visit www.ryanbresnahan.org.