THE FAMILY of meningitis victim Kieran Smith are holding a charity dance in his memory, to reach their target of £25,000 for victims of the virus.

The 20-year-old from Melksham died in 2001 after developing the deadly meningococcal septicaemia strain of the disease. Since then the community has gathered behind his family in numerous fundraising activities. So far £23,000 has been raised for the Meningitis Trust and Kieran's mum Susan hopes the dance on February 26 will boost that figure over £25,000.

Mrs Smith, 46, of Rowan Court, wants to raise awareness of the condition, which has flu-like symptoms, to prevent other families going through such trauma.

She said: "I don't think people are necessarily aware of the symptoms and I want to make sure other people do not go through what we have gone through."

She said Kieran, who would have celebrated his 24th birthday last month, lives constantly in the family's memory and would have been proud of their fundraising success.

"It's something that we have got to try to come to terms with and live with but it's not something that is ever going to go away and he's extremely missed," Mrs Smith said.

Kieran was about to complete his electrical apprenticeship with Wheeler's in Westbury when he contracted meningitis.

Mrs Smith has organised the dance, sponsored by Larkin Construction, with her husband Michael, 53, and sons Darren, 25 and Matthew, 21. The family are hoping it will be a sell-out night.

The dance will be held at Melksham House on February 26 from 8pm, featuring bands Magic Mirror and Steve "Biff" Byfield. Tickets cost £7 and are available from Melksham House, Larkin Construction on (01225) 702076 or Mrs Smith on (01225) 702206.

The Smith family has thanked the Melksham Entertainment Group and everyone who contributed to the envelope raffle and door collection at a dance held at the Assembly Hall on February 4, which raised £110.