50 intrepid cyclists who pedalled from Portsmouth to Brighton on the weekend of 26th June look set to raise £5,000 for Meningitis UK in memory of Ella Funnell who died shortly before Christmas. Ella, from Kenley, was just 18 days old when she died from a group B streptococcal infection which caused meningitis.

Her dad Simon, who led the 53 mile fundraising mission, said: "Everyone really enjoyed the day and we’ve decided to make it an annual event. It was quite emotional to cross the finish line and it felt so positive that everyone was enjoying the day and raising money in Ella’s memory."

Simon is also organising a football match between former Brighton and Crystal Palace players which will take place at the Three Bridges Football Club in Crawley on 5th September.

He and his partner Lucie Dunbar are aiming to raise £25,000 in memory of Ella by the anniversary of her death.

Lucie said: "Within 24 hours Ella had gone from being perfectly healthy to us facing the prospect of turning off her life support machine. It’s a horrible disease but we’re doing our best to help beat it."

The money raised will go towards Meningitis UK’s Search 4 a Vaccine campaign which aims to develop a vaccine against all forms of meningitis.

To give money in memory of Ella visit www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.com and search for Ella Funnell. To take part in next year’s cycle ride contact Toya Champ at Meningitis UK on 0117 373 73 73 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.