A BOY who contracted meningitus as a baby is set to raise hundreds of pounds for Meningitus Trust by taking part in a “Toddle Waddle”.

Alfie Chandler, three, from Chadwell St Mary will take part in the event on Saturday May 30 on the playing field next to the cemetery.

The event has been organsied by Alfie’s mum, Cheryl and his nursery, Cherubs Firststeps in Waterson Road, Chadwell St Mary to raise awareness of the disease.

Alfie was diagnosed with the Meningococcal B form of the virus at five months old.

Alfie’s mum Cheryl, 30, of Langton Way, said: “The reason for doing the walk is to raise awareness of a disease that many parents including myself thinks is never going to happen to them.

“Many parents I have spoke to in the past wouldn’t even know what symptoms to look for so at the walk we will be distributing leaflets and little symptoms cards to the parents and letting them know that the disease does happen and if it does you need to be quick to recognise it.”

Alfie alone has already raised over £300 and with his friends and family he hopes to raise a lot more.

Cheryl added: “I would also like to thank Cherubs Firststeps for all there help in organising the event and all there support with Alfie.”