The family of a “cheeky and smiley” teenager who died of meningitis have raised over £41,000 in his memory ahead of their sixth fundraising Fun Day
Eighteen-year-old Chris Pegler, of Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire died within 24 hours of contracting the deadly disease.
Such was his popularity, Chris’s untimely death prompted a mass moped ride through his hometown the following day, with over 500 people paying their respects.
Some 700 people also attended his funeral.
The former Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School pupil developed a fever, sore throat and felt sick on the morning of 17 November 2010.
Since then, his parents Karen and Steve, and sister Bex, have devotedly fundraised for us to save others from a similar ordeal.
Karen said: “Our lives will never be the same – we talk about Chris every day – it’s devastating.”
Fundraising helps
“Fundraising helps with the grieving process – it keeps us focused on the next thing we’re doing.I know we can’t bring Chris back. We’re delighted to surpass £41,000 in Chris’s memory for the charity. But we won’t stop because the sooner they eradicate every strain the better.”
The family host their latest annual Fun Day for us on Saturday 21 May, at Synwell Playing Fields, Wotton, from 1pm.
Entertainment includes classic cars, small child’s ride, inflatables, hog roast, burger van, cake stall, raffle, tombola, live music, bar, street dancers, face painting and other stalls.
Karen said: “The day has something for everyone and we want to raise as much as possible to protect future generations. We hope everyone comes to remember Chris and help such a worthy cause.”
