Praise for couple's ceaseless fundraising in son's memory

Ray and Jackie Finch have raised 109,000 since one of their sons was killed by meningitis just under ten years ago.

Their unceasing efforts to help to find a cure for the devastating brain bug has been highlighted by Meningitis UK for its tenth anniversary.

The incredible amount brought in by Mr and Mrs Finch supports research funded by the charity into finding a vaccine for meningitis B.

They recognise the effectiveness of a vaccine more than anyone.

Martin was due to be vaccinated for meningitis C just two months after he was struck down by it in December 1999.

Builder Mr Finch, 55, said: "A vaccine's the only solution in our opinion because whether meningitis is diagnosed in time is down to chance and luck, such is the nature of it.

"We had no idea we would raise over 100,000 when Martin died. It's humbling to think hundreds of people and friends have donated in Martin's memory.

"There's a certain pride in what we have achieved, but it's tainted because I would do anything to have Martin here."

Meningitis UK chief executive Steve Dayman said: "Ray, Jackie and all their supporters should be very proud to have made such a significant contribution in memory of Martin.

"The devastation they've experienced reinforces the importance of finding a vaccine sooner rather than later.

"With their help, and the support of the general public, we're confident that one day thousands of people's lives will be saved."

Mr Finch remembered how his sprightly 14-year-old son first showed signs of being ill on December 8, 1999, when he developed a headache.

He was due to play squash with a friend after school but felt unwell. His older brother, Scott, collected him and took him home.

Martin went to bed at 6pm and was sick within an hour. His concerned mum and dad's checks for pain or a rash drew a blank.

"By midnight, Martin told us to go to sleep saying he just had a headache," recalled Mr Finch.

"But at 6am the next day he woke us up. He was disorientated, became incontinent and had a large rash appearing on his neck. We knew immediately he had meningitis and called an ambulance."

Within an hour, Martin was in St Richard's Hospital A&E department. Medical staff decided to put him to sleep for his comfort before they moved him to intensive care.

He was transferred to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, but doctors informed the family Martin's heart was under too much pressure. There was nothing further they could do.

Mr and Mrs Finch made the heart- breaking decision to turn off his life support machine.

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