A CHADDESLEY Corbett couple have raised £5,000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of their Kidderminster doctor.

Paul and Annie Watson, in collaboration with Pedmore Sporting Club, in Stourbridge, have raised the funds through hosting 150 guests at a marquee event at their home.

The couple's GP, John Spalding, sadly died in December 2014 from a new and particularly deadly type of meningitis - meningococcal W meningitis and septicaemia (MenW).

John's wife, Di Spalding, who is now a regional ambassador for the charity, accepted a cheque on behalf of Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) at the GP practice when John worked.

Mr Watson said: "I was a patient of John's for 32 years.

"He was a wonderful GP and it came as a huge shock to everyone when he passed away so suddenly.

"Everyone in the community was saddened by it and I think that's why people have been so generous and donated so much."

Rob Dawson, head of support at the charity, added: "We are really grateful to Paul, Annie and the sports club for raising these impressive funds in memory of John.

"The funds that have been raised will be used to support lifesaving research into prevention, detection and early treatment of meningitis.

"It will also allow us to continue raising awareness of the disease and support those affected."

Di Spalding has been working with MRF to encourage all young people to get their free Men ACWY vaccine to protect them from the deadly MenW strain.

For more information, visit meningitis.org/oneshot.