Tournament set to raise cash in Billy's memory

Saturday, July 18 will see the third of the tournaments take place from 10am at King George V playing field in memory of Billy Lloyd.

There will be 14 teams of eight players taking part in the event, organised by Billy's dad, Malcolm, and friends.

Billy was struck down by meningitis aged three-and-a-half and died less than 24 hours after showing any symptoms.

An impressive 3,800 has been raised for Meningitis UK since his death in April 2005. It's hoped the latest fundraiser will make up to 1,000.

All the money will go towards the charity's goal to find a vaccine for Meningitis B '“ the strain of the deadly brain bug which killed Billy.

Sally Clanfield, Billy's aunt who is organising a barbeque and other activities on the day, said: "Because we live in a village lots of people knew Billy and are willing to help.

"The past two tournaments have been really successful and there's lots of fun activities to go alongside the football, like a barbeque, raffle and tug-of-war.

"Although it's an emotional day, Billy liked watching football with his dad so it's a fitting tribute."

Billy fell ill on a Friday afternoon, being sick and not very alert. His mum Jane took him to the doctor who immediately said they should go to St Richard's Hospital at Chichester.

Staff in accident and emergency initially said it was a urine infection but when a rash began to develop Jane and husband Gareth realised it was meningitis.

Although Billy was sedated and treated with antibiotics, it was sadly too late to save him. He died from meningococcal septicaemia.

Sally said the speed at which the disease took Billy's life made them realise just how important it is to find a vaccine and protect future generations.

She explained: "It really is such a devastating disease, which can take people's lives in a matter of hours.

"Fundraising gives us something to focus on and hopefully our efforts will take Meningitis UK one step closer to finding a vaccine and saving lives in the future.

"If the disease can be eradicated then, one day, people won't have to go through the heartache everyone endured when Billy died."

All the money raised will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign. It aims to raise 7m to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against Meningitis B '“ the most common form of meningitis in the UK.

Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "Everyone's efforts in memory of Billy are really remarkable."

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