More than £700 raised in memory of little Leo

Lana Wells, mother of Leo who died in March 2010 aged just two years and five months, raised £773.03 - which brings the total she has raised in memory of her son to £32,900.

As well as coffee mornings Lana has organised quizzes, walks, clay pigeon shoots and football events among others.

Manager of the Meningitis Research Foundation Diane McConnell said, “Lana is extremely passionate about Meningitis Research Foundation and we are so appreciative of the work she has done and continues to do for us. It is only through the generosity and the hard work of our members and supporters that we are able to carry out the work that we do.”

“Special thanks to Jo-Anne Dobson MLA for hosting the coffee morning in her Banbridge office along with all those who baked and bought buns and made it such a success. We are so grateful.”

Paying tribute to Leo’s mum Lana, Jo-Anne Dobson said, “Lana is a credit to all those who have been affected by Meningitis and who wish to progress research into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.”

The money raised will help research work into the disease and will also help to raise awareness surrounding the disease and to support those who have been affected.

The foundation estimates around 3,600 people get bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the UK and Republic of Ireland each year. A quarter of people who survive an initial diagnosis of meningitis and septicaemia will live with life-altering after-effects.