The death of toddler Ruby Burrell from meningitis earlier this year has spurred on a community fundraising drive in her memory.

The 21-month-old, from Yatton, North Somerset, was struck down by the brain bug on January 17 and died within hours of showing symptoms.

Her sudden death has prompted friends and family to raise money for Meningitis UK and its vaccine research work.

Parents Mark and Helen Burrell say they have been touched by everyone's support and hope their efforts will help to save lives in the future.

Richard Pearse, Chris Broome, Luke Ford, Steve Owen and Nigel Jones will be taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday and their efforts will add to the £2,500 already raised through a tribute fund set up in Ruby's memory.

The following week, on September 11, Steve Martin has organised a team of 25 people to climb Mount Snowdon to raise money for both Meningitis UK and Claverham Cricket Club Youth Section.

Mr Burrell, 45, said: "All our friends in the village and people at the cricket club knew Ruby, so her death has impacted a lot of people.

"I'm climbing Mount Snowdon myself and it helps to feel that we're doing something positive in her memory.

"It's something that the village is doing as a community and we're hoping the climb will raise over £3,000."

Ruby died in Weston General Hospital from the group B strain of meningococcal septicaemia, hours after being taken ill. There are vaccines for Meningitis C, Hib and pneumococcal meningitis but there is no protection from Meningitis B – the most common form of the disease in the UK.

Mr Burrell said: "We know there was nothing more that we or the doctors could have done, which is why a vaccine is the only way to safeguard lives in the future."

All the money raised in memory of Ruby will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign. It aims to raise £7 million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against all forms of meningitis.

Friends and family have raised money in other ways and money was also donated from the Yatton Masonic Hall and players and staff at the local golf club Tall Pines.

Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "Everyone's efforts in memory of Ruby are really remarkable. To organise and complete these events is no mean feat."

To make a donation to the Forever Fund set up in Ruby's memory, visit www.meningit isuk.tributefunds.com and search for Ruby Burrell. Or to donate straight to the Mount Snowdon challenge, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Mark Burrell.