A Suffolk family is holding a fundraising event to mark the 10th anniversary of their daughter being seriously ill with meningitis. Kate Thompson, of Wingfield, was treated in Great Ormond Street Hospital after being diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia.

A Suffolk family is holding a fundraising event to mark the 10th anniversary of their daughter being seriously ill with meningitis.

Kate Thompson, of Wingfield, was treated in Great Ormond Street Hospital after being diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia.

Now 13, she will be performing along with friends at a murder mystery event called Taught a Lesson which will be held at Syleham and Wingfield village hall on Saturday, May 3.

Her mother, Julie Thompson, said they want to raise awareness about the potentially-fatal illness, which has left Kate with some residual scarring, and the Meningitis Trust which has a 24hr nurse-led helpline giving more information about the disease.

“We thought Kate had chickenpox but took her to the doctor in Diss as she also had a temperature which didn't seem right. We do want to raise awareness even though it was a long time ago,” she said.

The event is set in the present day in a high school and is aimed at a family audience over the age of nine years. There will be two performances, at 12.30pm and 7pm, and people are encouraged to dress in some form of school uniform.

“As well as the suspense and drama, the audience can also expect a reasonably healthy school lunch/supper including large portions of chocolate crunch,” added Mrs Thompson.

Tables of up to six people are available at £8 per adult and £6 per child, or £25 for two adults and two children. Tickets are available from the Thompsons on 01379 668169.

More information on meningitis is available from the trust helpine on 0800 028 1828 or the website www.meningitis-trust.org