Blyth: Mum who raised £87,000 after losing toddler daughter to meningitis continues inspirational appeal

Rachel Long, 26, also hopes to raise money for international charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) in her fundraising quest.

She will be holding a number of ‘Purple Days’ at several at her local schools including Morpeth Road Primary School, Croft Way Primary School, Princess Louise Nursery and What a Hoot Nursery where children will be asked to wear purple and donate £1 to MRF.

Rachel started fundraising for MRF after she lost her daughter, Ellie, to MenB, at the age of two in 2010.

Since Ellie’s death, Rachel has raised £87,000 through a number of events, including boxing events and balls.

Rachel said: “We would like to help towards MRF’s dream of a world free from meningitis and septicaemia.”

“If we can help prevent anyone going through what our family sadly has I think we will make our daughter proud.”

Chris Head, from Meningitis Research Foundation said, “We are extremely grateful to Rachel for organising a Purple Day on our behalf.”

“As they are sadly aware, meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases which can strike without warning, killing in hours. We rely on voluntary donations to fund our vital work into the prevention, detection and treatment of the diseases and support those affected, o every penny raised from our members holding Purple Days makes a huge difference to the charity.”

For information on how you can help or donate call 01454 280414 or email [email protected]