Cara Mead and son Ollie (17095/4)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: THE MOTHER of a little boy who narrowly survived meningitis is cycling for eight days to raise awareness of the condition.

Cara Mead's four-year-old son Ollie was diagnosed with meningitis in October 2002. He recovered, but has been left completely deaf in one ear.

This week his 33-year-old mother, of The Ridings, Kington St Michael, is cycling 250 miles around Wiltshire's boundary, pulling a pod, which she uses to give rides to children.

She hopes to raise enough money to buy a set of prosthetic legs for little Lydia Cross, formerly of Hullavington, who lost her legs from meningitis when she was two.

Mrs Mead, who has been training for the bike ride since October, said Ollie's bravery motivates her to keep going. "I find myself getting quite emotional and start cycling up the hills in tears," she said.

"It has been a very emotional experience. I feel so lucky that I still have my child relatively intact that I want to give something back."

Passing motorists, have stopped to contribute money.

The bike ride will finish with a free children's fun day at Chippenham Rugby Club from midday on Sunday. It is open to all, with bouncy castles, a barbecue, rides and a bar for adults.

Half the money raised by Mrs Mead will go to the Appeal For Lydia and half to the Meningitis Research Foundation.

To sponsor Mrs Mead, contact her on (01249) 758118.