Quiz night in memory of baby George nets £850

Bexhill resident Julia Armstrong’s first grandson, George Lyttle, died last June when he was less than a month old.

Julia said the Meningitis Trust provided tremendous support for the family since suffering its tragic loss and they wanted to show their appreciation. “It is nearly a year since George was born on May 15 2010. He died on June 10.

“Organising the quiz has helped us all feel that his death was not in vain and that, as a family, we can help other people whose lives have been affected by meningitis.”

George fell ill at home about a week after he was born. Shortly after being diagnosed with meningitis, he was transferred to the specialist Neonatal Intensive care unit at London’s King’s College Hospital, but tragically lost his battle against the disease aged just three weeks and five days.

The quiz night, held at the Athletic Club, Bexhill, attracted a large crowd of supporters, so much so that the event had to be transferred to a larger room. Julia said: “The evening was great fun and I couldn’t believe how many people came along. Originally we were booked to have the smaller bar, but so many people bought tickets that we had to use the big hall. One person remarked that it looked like the school hall at exam time! Apart from running out of raffle tickets before everyone had a chance to buy some - I had to quickly make more out of some spare paper - everything went well.”

The amount raised on the night was £777, and after more donations came in the final total was £859. Julia said: “Our aim is to raise £5,000 for the Meningitis Trust and we have a special memorial tribute fund for George which helps us keep a tally of how much we have raised. I believe with this quiz we will be nearing £3,000. I have to say that whilst thanking everyone for coming, I looked around at everyone there and felt so lucky to have all these wonderful people supporting us.

“Our quiz lady was Chris Cox, who, together with her family, John, Suzy, Isaac, and friend Hazel, did a wonderful job considering how big the event was and the different age groups gathered there.

“Thank you! I also have to thank my family and friends, and for all their help on the day.”

Julia said much of the money raised came from eager punters hoping to win one of the many prizes in the well-stocked raffle. “I was amazed at just how generous the local shops and businesses were when it came to donating prizes. So a big thank you to Bengal Brasserie, Trattoria Italiana, Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s, La Maison, Funkybits 4 U, Collis Chemist, Wards, Gekko, and family and friends.”

The quiz night was Julia’s first experience of fundraising but she said she’s considering doing more: “I have many more ideas and hope to raise money for a baby bed in the Intensive Care unit at the Conquest Hospital, and also to help CRUSE Bereavement Counselling Service.

“CRUSE has greatly helped my daughter and me during this difficult time.”

•To make a donation either to George Lyttle’s individual fund or to the Meningitis Trust email janec@menin gitis-trust.org or visit the website at: meningi tis-trust.org

PICTURED: Julia Armstrong and Chris Cox