Mum’s mission to halt meningitis

Little fighter . . . Chey Street with his mum Elizabeth

A LOVING mum who came desperately close to losing her baby boy to meningitis has set up a special fund-raising bonanza to raise awareness of the killer disease.

Little Chey Street’s heart stopped beating four times when he was struck down with the horror condition at only five-months-old.

Mum Elizabeth Street, of Shaw, said: “It all started when Chey was ill with conjunctivitis.

“I took him to the walk-in centre where the lady took some swabs.

“But he didn’t get any better, so I took him to my GP.

“He told me to take Chey straight to hospital —that’s where his heart stopped beating four times.”

Eventually, Chey — now aged three — pulled through.

However, the illness has had a lasting impact. The little mite now suffers from chronic epilepsy and poor mobility.

After the awful scare, Elizabeth (25) decided set up a special event for the Meningitis Trust in the hope that no other parents will have to suffer what she went through.

Her sister, Nichola Megginson, said: “Luckily, Chey survived. But he will always have to live with the effects of the illness.

“The Meningitis Trust helps people who need to adapt their homes. It also raises awareness.

“Not everyone has the symptoms we know about.

“I lost a close friend to meningitis who never got the rash, so he didn’t catch it in time.”

The event promises to be a big draw, with live entertainment on the night and an array of raffle and auction prizes up for grabs.

Sporting memorabilia, including signed Amir Khan boxing gloves, signed Roughyeds and Latics goodies and a signed photo of Manchester City and England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips will be available to bid for on the night, alongside Toni and Guy vouchers, sunbed sessions, disposable cameras and much more.

Nichola added: “Despite the current economic climate, local businesses have been overwhelmingly generous.

“We can’t thank them enough for all their help. Without their support, the event wouldn’t be going ahead at all.”

The fund-raiser takes place at Tara Leisure, Shaw, on Friday from 7.30pm. Admission is £5 on the door.