West Ewell family of meningitis victim raise money for his cause

Joel Ruck from West Ewell died suddenly of the disease on New Year’s Eve in 2009.

Last month his family held an event at Boogie Lounge in Epsom raising over £5,700 for Meningitis UK.

Joel’s mother Kim de la Cruz, said: “It was a great night - lots of local businesses including Rush and Harvey Nichols all donated generously so we would like to thank everyone who came.”

Over 100 people attended the fundraiser which included a raffle with prizes such as a board signed by the Eastenders cast and a Nintendo DSI 3D.

Joel first showed signs of being ill on Christmas Day, which his parents Kimberlyn Dela Cruz and Lee Ruck put down to teething or the start of a winter cold.

They decided to take him to Thames Doc on December 27, where he was diagnosed with an ear infection and given antibiotics.

A second doctor also thought it was an ear infection along with dehydration.

Miss de la Cruz said: “The GP told us to give Joel water but later that night we couldn’t hold off anymore and went to Accident and Emergency.

“As soon as he was seen he was rushed away. Everything happened so fast. We were even told that he might have an abscess in his brain.

“It scared us to death not knowing what was wrong. We weren’t allowed to see him until the next morning, when it broke out hearts to see him lying there with tubes everywhere and bleeping machines.”

His life support had to be switched off but not before his donated organs saved two lives.

All the money raised in his memory will go towards Meningitis UK’s Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against all forms of meningitis.

Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK, said: “Everyone’s efforts in memory of Joel are really remarkable and we wish them every success with their fundraising night, which sounds like it will be an evening to remember. ”

Contribute to the appeal via www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.co m