Balloons to remember Adam's day (From Warrington Guardian)

Balloons to remember Adam's day

HUNDREDS of balloons drifted into the sky on Friday as family and friends of meningitis victim Adam Doughty marked what would have been his 13th birthday.

Attached to each balloon was the name and address of a sponsor who had donated money in Adam's memory to the Meningitis Trust.

The event, held at Adam's family home in Oakwood, was organised by his mum and dad, Alyson and Ray Doughty, who are determined to keep their precious son's memory alive through campaigning for the trust.

Earlier this year, Adam's picture was featured on Meningitis Trust bookmarks, listing the symptoms of the potentially fatal disease, to help save lives.

Adam was struck down by a fatal strain of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in November 2003.

He was taken to Warrington Hospital and then Pendlebury Children's Hospital in Manchester, battling for his life for six gruelling days before dying in his mum's arms.

Since his death, Alyson and Ray have channelled their grief into raising awareness of the disease and aim to save as many lives as possible by encouraging early recognition of the symptoms.

Alyson said: "The balloon release was a way of celebrating Adam's birthday and he would have been thrilled.

"All his friends and family turned out and we shared a birthday cake.

"It was a chance for all of us to get together in memory of Adam and acknowledge what a gift he was to all of us.

"At the same time, we were raising awareness about the disease and the more people who know about it, the more lives can be saved."

The event raised £363 for The Meningitis Trust and £100 for Pendlebury Hospital.

Adam's bookmarks are available from the Warrington Guardian reception on Bridge Street.

For bulk orders for schools and libraries, call Christine on 0845 120 4764 or e-mail christineh@meningitis.org