SALE MUM Val Grantham-Dykes is encouraging members of the community to come to her fundraising coffee morning.

Held in memory of her son, James, she hopes to raise as much as possible for Meningitis Now.

James died from pneumococcal meningitis in 2001, aged nine months, after battling with the disease.

As well as tea, coffee and cake, a raffle and make up demos will be available, all in return for a donation to the charity.

The event will be held at Sale Moor Cricket Club/Brooklands Dragons JFC Clubhouse on Friday, March 28 from 10.00 to noon.

Val said: “I support Meningitis Now as I know how important their work is. When James was taken away from us, they were my lifeline; providing counselling for my family. Anything I can do to support their ongoing work, I’ll will.”

Val is an avid supporter of the charity and, over the years, along with family and friends, has raised nearly £37,000 in James’s memory.

Becky Dodd, Meningitis Now’s North West fundraiser, said: “We’re really grateful to Val for her support in our fight against the disease. With help like this we can make a real difference to those who are at risk from meningitis and those whose lives have already been changed forever because of it.”

To find out more contact Val on 0161 905 1867 or email mark.dykes6@ntlworld.com Meningitis Now fights the disease on all fronts – funding pioneering research to eradicate meningitis, supporting people with after-effects and their families, and raising awareness.

The charity needs to raise £10,000 a day to fund its services.