Goulish fund-raising fun in memory of meningitis victim

Jackie Finch is encouraging witches, ghouls and other local monsters to have a 'wicked' time with their friends tomorrow (Friday, October 31) to fight the disease and raise awareness of it.

They will be able to dance to the Tony Stone Group. As well as having fun, those who go along will also be helping to raise money for the Martin Finch Memorial Fund.

This is named after Jackie's 14- year-old son who died from a strain of meningitis. She and her husband, Ray, set up the fund in 2000, to raise funds for meningitis research and promote goodwill, fun and enjoyment along the way.

The fund has already raised more than 100,000.

Jackie is hoping the halloween fancy dress party will add to that large amount.

She said: "Our younger son Martin died in December 1999 of meningococcal septicaemia. It was shocking how fast this disease spread through his body and took such a healthy, vibrant and loving 14-year-old from us.

"Setting up the Martin Finch Memorial Fund has helped our family to move forward after suffering such a terrible loss, and with the support of friends and family, we have since raised a lot of money and awareness since.

"Hopefully, our latest event will encourage more people to get involved and have some fun in the process."

Fortunately, the 'c' strain from which Martin died now has a vaccine which is proving to be safe and effective.

There has already been a tremendous 85 per cent reduction of cases in the UK in the age groups vaccinated. But awareness is still as vital as ever as the vaccine does not protect against all forms of the disease.

Jackie added: "We are always pleased by the amount of support we receive for these events and encouraged by the fact that we are raising money and drawing attention to such an important cause."

Tickets for the halloween party, which begins at 7.30pm, are 10 each. All proceeds will go towards research into finding a cure for meningitis.

They can be purchased from Jackie at the Regis Service Station, Chichester Road, North Bersted, or by contacting her on 01243 263680 or 07817 786392.

The fund will soon be hosting its annual gala ball at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel in Walberton. This enjoyable evening on November 22 costs 55 a ticket.

All proceeds will again go towards finding meningitis cure. All inquiries for this evening should be made to 07973 424 938.

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