A 'FUN Day' in memory of an 18-year-old from Wotton-under-Edge who died after contracting meningitis raised more than £1,800 for charity.

Chris Pegler, a former student of Katharine Lady Berkeley's School, died within 24 hours of contracting the disease in November 2010.

Since his death, his loved ones have raised more than £43,000 for Stroud-based charity Meningitis Now with annual events, including the sixth annual 'Fun Day' on Saturday.

Karen Pegler, Chris' mum, said: "We would just like to thank everybody for the kind help on the 'Fun Day'. It could have been better weather, but it all went well,

“We much appreciate all you hard work and are very pleased with money raised, which was amazing considering the rain we had on the day.”

The event was held in Synwell Playing Fields, Wotton, on Saturday afternoon. It included a range of stalls and activities, including classic cars, a hog roast, burger van, raffle, tombola, live music, a bar, street dancers, face painting and more.

Discussing the Pegler family’s fundraising efforts over the years, Karen said: “Our lives will never be the same – we talk about Chris every day – it’s devastating.

“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, but we’re delighted to surpass £43,000 in his memory for the charity.

“We won’t stop because the sooner they eradicate every strain the better.”

Karen told the Gazette she would like to thank Andrew Starling of The Falcon Steakhouse for providing burgers and a burger van, Hobbs House Bakery for providing rolls, Ken Pink who provided a hog roast, William Wickens, Beth Butcher, Paul Clarke and, for their musical contribution, The Bad Dads.

To read more about Chris’ story and his family's past fundraising efforts for Meningitis Now visit gazetteseries.co.uk.