A FUNDRAISING event in memory of a toddler who died suddenly after contracting meningitis proved a roaring success – with supporters attracted by a jumble sale and home-made cup cakes.

Poppy Connolly was just 23 months old when she died from a rare form of the disease in May.

Her symptoms had developed just eight hours earlier.

On Saturday, her parents, Tracy and Gavin, held a community event at the Ampleforth Arms, the pub they run in Risinghurst, Oxford.

The day, which included a bouncy castle, barbecue and raffle raised more than £1,600 for the charity Meningitis UK.

Mrs Connolly said: “It went really well. Everybody was so generous.

“There was a great atmosphere and we had a really fab time.

“It was 100 per cent better than we could have hoped for.

“There has always been a community feel here, but Poppy’s death pulled everyone together.

“I just want to say a great big thank-you to everybody who donated, and to everybody who came. They supported a great charity.”

Among the visitors to the pub were Risinghurst residents Phil Foster and Michelle Rose, whose 18-month-old son Jack survived meningitis last July.

Miss Rose urged more parents to learn about the disease – to better recognise the signs.

She said: “I didn’t know what it was. If I had known more about the signs we could have got treatment quicker.

“I also think doctors should be better trained.”

Poppy’s godmother and former childminder Liz Bowyer ran a cake stall at the fundraising day and is now starting a small business in Poppy’s memory.

She said: “The aim is to start Poppy’s Pretty Cup Cakes and make a donation to the meningitis charity with each sale. So far I’ve had a fantastic response.

“It’s just a way of trying to help stop another family having to go through it.”

A second fundraising event, with a country and western theme, is set to take place at the pub next month.

Any businesses who would like to donate raffle prizes or money can call Mrs Connolly on 01865 762372.

tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk