Tragedy inspires cash bid

A fundraising bid in memory of a football-mad teenager is on track to soar past the £30,000 mark just seven months after his death.

Postman Andy Keeling and his family have worked tirelessly to raise money to help find a vaccine for meningitis B since son Liam died after contracting the illness last October.

They have been joined by friends and even complete strangers who have felt compelled to help their cause.

The total stands at £26,000 but Mr Keeling is now hoping to bank around £7,000 after the latest fundraisers which included a team of colleagues from the Aldridge Royal Mail base completing the Three Peaks Challenge.

"We should be over £30,000 by the time it all comes in which is just unbelievable," said Mr Keeling, of Cheslyn Hay.

"Me and my wife are so touched, even people we don't know have taken the time and effort to do things to help raise the money."

Fellow postman Dave Egerton, aged 46, was among a group of 15 who took part in the Three Peaks challenge on May 30 which is thought to have raised around £3,500 with money still being collected.

He said: "Everyone has got the utmost respect for Andy and his family, their loss has touched the whole of the Aldridge office and everyone wanted to do something to show their support."

The group completed the 25 mile challenge in around ten hours and 20 minutes.

Another group of fundraisers toured five Birmingham and Black Country football stadiums.

Liam, aged 13, was a former Cardinal Griffin RC High School pupil, and a talented footballer who played for Wyrley Juniors.

The next fundraiser is an Irish night at Great Wyrley Football Club on June 19. Tickets cost £2-5. Call Andy on 078008168 for details.