March planned for tragic boy

Clifton Primary School pupil Edward Dee, 10, died on Sunday when it is believed he came down with the potentially deadly infection.

His mother Elizabeth Dee, who lives in St Annes, posted on social media: “Thank you everyone for your such kind words, we are lost without him, he was such a big part of our lives. We are truly devastated. He knew so many people, he’d done so many things, he lived life to the full.

“Edward probably packed more into his 10 years than many pack into a lifetime.

“We will love you forever Edward, thank you for giving us those precious years of your life.”

A charity march has now been planned in his memory to raise money for meningitis research.

Well-wishers will meet at Starr Gate on Blackpool Prom at 11am on Sunday. They will then embark on a two-mile walk, handing out leaflets with information on how to recognise the symptoms of the deadly infection.

A fund-raiser set up to help Elizabeth, dad Justin and brothers Oliver and William has already received more than £1,300 from sympathisers.

Zoe Brigden, who set up the online fund-raiser, said: “It’s absolutely awful and I just felt compelled to do something, even though I know no amount of money is going to make up for what has happened.

“He was a lovely boy and I think everybody feels the same. We’re feeling the family’s pain and I want them to know that they are supported.

“My own son was a friend of Edward’s and he was absolutely beside himself.

“Edward was one of those kids who always pulled through for him.

“It shouldn’t be happening in this day and age. People need to be aware of the signs of meningitis.

“It needs to be looked at. We need to start investing in an alternative to antibiotics because we’re becoming immune.

“I just don’t want any other children to suffer.”

Edward’s schoolmates were informed of his death on Monday.

Letters were sent to parents with an accompanying notice of advice from Health England.

Rachel Legge, headteacher at Clifton Primary School, said: “We are incredibly saddened by the death of one our pupils. Our thoughts are with the family and we have written to parents to let them know how we are supporting the children through this very difficult time.”