Community unites in Hannah's memory

Monday 16th April 2012

Walkers will take to the streets in memory of a teenager who lost her battle with meningitis in January.

Hannah Gwilliam, will be remembered by friends in Hampton, Middlesex, where she spent the first 10 years of her life, before moving to Wales with her family in 2003.

The death of the 18-year-old, described as a talented artist, sent shockwaves around the community in which she grew up.

Now people in Hampton are raising money for Meningitis UK's vaccine research in her memory.

Walk organiser Helen Christophers said: "Hannah, her brother Tom and parents Roy and Ann, spent many happy years in Hampton before moving back to Pembrokeshire in 2003.

"Hannah was a popular pupil and had many friends at both Carlisle Infants and Hampton Hill Juniors.

"The family have set up a fund as an ongoing tribute for Hannah, and to support the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign run by Meningitis UK. All funds raised from the walk will go towards finding vaccines to protect against all forms of meningitis."

The walk starts at Hampton Hill Junior School and heads through Bushy Park, to Hampton Court and down the Thames riverside towards Kingston, before crossing the bridge and following the river to Teddington Lock.

Kate Rowland, Meningitis UK chief executive, said: "We are so grateful to all the walkers for their amazing fundraising efforts."

To donate to Hannah's Forever Fund visit http://www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.com and search for Hannah Gwilliam.

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