Pool fans from Hull right on cue to help raise £2,000 for Meningitis UK
Pool fans from Hull were right on cue to help raise £2,000 during a 12-hour marathon in memory of a six-year-old boy who died from meningitis.
Lee Newman, of Ealing Close, organised the non-stop game to help raise funds for Meningitis UK in memory of his nephew Liam, who died from meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in October.
Fourteen people took part in the event, held at the Inglemire Club, and a raffle was held to help boost money.
Lee said: "It was a great success and everyone enjoyed themselves. I was there the whole day and was getting tired by the end of the night!
"We're still collecting all the sponsorship money but I never expected to raise so much. We even made £180 on the raffle. I want to thank everyone who took part for all their help and support."
Lee is donating £1,000 to Meningitis UK and £1,000 will go towards Liam's headstone.
Next May Lee is also planning to take part in Meningitis UK's Walk of Roses, from Blackpool to Bridlington, and wants to make the pool marathon an annual event.
Meningitis UK launched the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign earlier this year to help raise £7million over the next seven years to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK. This accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases and there is still no vaccine.
Meningitis UK's Chief Executive, Steve Dayman said "Meningitis UK has a single focus - to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis. And in the absence of the vaccine, we desperately need to raise awareness of the common symptoms of meningitis, as prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death.
"We want to thank Lee for his great fundraising event and his kind donation, which will go towards our Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign."
For more information or to support the charity's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, please call Meningitis UK on 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
