TEN fundraisers got drenched as they took part in a sponsored walk from Felixstowe to Bromeswell in memory of a nine-month-old boy who died after contracting meningitis.

TEN fundraisers got drenched as they took part in a sponsored walk from Felixstowe to Bromeswell in memory of a nine-month-old boy who died after contracting meningitis.

The group got caught up in heavy summer showers as they made their way from the seaside town to the Cherry Tree pub on the three-hour walk.

The event was held as part of the fundraising in memory of Taylor Westley-Smith, who died only 15 hours after being struck down with the brain bug in March.

His parents Mark and Jennifer Smith, of Gostling Place, Kesgrave, are raising money for the Meningitis UK's Search 4 A Vaccine campaign in a bid to spare other parents from the pain of losing a child to meningitis.

It aims 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, including the strain which killed Taylor.

Mr Smith, 30, said: “The walk did go really well and everyone enjoyed it - though they did get absolutely drenched.

“At least they were heading for the pub and a nice drink at the end.”

The couple have already raised �3,200 through previous events and, with several more planned, hope to raise thousands more.

The next event in on August 9 when workers from two firms will play a football match in aid of the appeal at Felixstowe and Walton's ground in Dellwood Avenue, Felixstowe, and then on September 13 there will be a cricket match at Ipswich Cricket Ground with an auction at 7.30pm, when items will include Australia and England Ashes shirts and Ipswich Town memorabilia.

Have you been affected by meningitis? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or alternatively you can send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk