It’s now one year on since Corey Taylor lay in a coma after contracting meningcoccal septicaemia.

His parents Paul and Charlene were told by doctors to say goodbye to their seven-year-old son and to “take things by the hour” because he might not survive.

However, thanks to quick-thinking staff at Ipswich Hospital and Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, Corey pulled through the deadly disease.

And now Mr and Mrs Taylor have organised a charity ball to boost funds for Meningitis UK, a charity funding vital research to try and minimise the number of parents who have to go through the same horrifying ordeal.

The event is set to take place during Meningitis Awareness Week on September 24 in the Sir Bobby Robson Suite at Ipswich Town Football Club.

The ball will include a three-course meal, a dance and a charity auction, as well as a guest performance by soul singer IrieJ.

Mrs Taylor said: “Since we decided to get involved in fundraising, we have always thought a ball would be a great thing to do.

“It is to raise awareness but also to celebrate progression.

“Researchers announced recently there’s a possibility they could release some kind of vaccine before Christmas.”

Mrs Taylor said, one year after his traumatic experience, Corey’s life is slowly getting back to normal.

“His knee still hurts at the moment but he is recovering and doing so well,” she said. “He is back at gymnastics and playing football.”

The Taylor family – who live in Crofton Road – are now appealing to local businesses to donate items for the charity auction and urging volunteers to get involved in the organisation of the ball.

Mrs Taylor said that meningitis has affected several children in the town.Rhianna Warner was only two when she died from meningitis in Ipswich Hospital on New Year’s Eve in 2009.

Mrs Taylor said: “If this all goes well we would love to make it an annual event. It is a big project to take on but we are hoping people want to get involved.”

She added: “This a disease which has really affected families in Ipswich and we just want to do whatever we can to help.”

Tickets for the ball cost �50. For more information on the event and how to support the charity, go to www.coreytaylor.co.uk.