martlesham heath: A couple who lost their nine-month-old son to the deadly brain bug meningitis have today become ambassadors for a national charity which aims to beat the disease.

In their new roles for Meningitis UK, Mark and Jenny Smith, of Sadlers Place, Martlesham Heath, offer support to other parents in their bid to help the charity raise vital funds to find a cure to beat the disease.

Their son Taylor Westley-Smith died in March 2009 after the bug was mistaken for chicken pox.

Since losing Taylor, his devastated parents have raised more than �24,000 for the charity they now represent.

Mr Smith said: “We honestly thought we would never get over this loss and couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel or any way of easing the pain.

“The support we have received so far from our family and friends has been unbelievable and we are very thankful to have these people in our lives.”

Since losing Taylor the couple have had two more children, Erin who is two and seven-month-old Morgan – and both have Taylor as their middle name.

As part of their role as ambassadors, the couple will be on hand to deliver awareness talks to community groups and schools, provide awareness information about meningitis, organise and support local fundraising events, represent the charity and hold collections.

Carrying on their fundraising challenge, the couple are organising their next event, a quiz at Felixstowe Cricket Club in Dellwood Avenue on July 6. Entry is �20 for teams of up to six people.

To contact Mark and Jenny Smith call them on 01473 611892 or Mark on his mobile 07833992707, or e-mail taylor.run2012@yahoo.co.uk

n Have you raised money in memory of a loved one? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk