A BEAUTIFUL little girl who would have celebrated her 21st birthday this week, but sadly died when she was 12, is to be remembered at a special fund-raising event in Mallow for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Joanne Collins was just 12 years old when she contracted meningitis and died within 24 hours. Her mother, Margaret who lives in Mallow, told The Corkman the fundraising night is in memory of her daughter, but it is also to help raise money for research and awareness of meningitis.

Joanne would have celebrated her 21st birthday on Thursday, September 9. Ms Collins recalled how Joanne got a sore throat on a Monday in February eight and a half years ago. She stayed at home. but as the day progressed she became very ill and was taken to Mallow General Hospital. Her condition worsened and she was later transferred to Cork.

"It was devastating to lose Joanne. She would have celebrated her 21st birthday this month and I wanted to remember the event and as I've always kept in touch with the Meningitis Research Foundation, I felt it was a good idea to hold the event. It will be nice too for Joanne's friends," said Ms Collins.

Ross Foley, a first cousin to the Collins family, ran the Manchester 10k in a very impressive 43 minutes for the Meningitis Research Foundation, and raised €5,000 in May.

On Saturday, September 19 in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, the Ballydesmond band Heart to Heart will play and afterwards there will be a disco. There will also be a raffle, with a weekend away for two up for grabs. The night is certain to be a success and it is hoped that as many people as possible will turn out to support and to enjoy the night.