FAMILY and friends of Melksham meningitis victim Kieran Smith are planning a major fundraising drive next year on what would have been his 21st birthday.

The popular 20-year-old former George Ward School student died in hospital after developing the deadly meningococcal septicaemia strain nine weeks ago.

His heartbroken family are now joining in a fundraising campaign, organised by Mr Smith's friends, which kicks off with a party at Buds nightclub in the town next month.

Sponsored head shaves, auctions and parachute jumps have also been planned for next year to raise money for The Meningitis Trust.

Grieving mother Susan Smith, 42, said Christmas was going to be an emotional time for the family, but the thought of raising money in memory of her son would help her get through.

She said: "I am really not looking forward to Christmas at all but you have to put a front on and get on with it. I don't know how I am going to cope with it though.

"Kieran used to love Christmas and would always be in the midst of things.

"He did enjoy the life he had and always made the most of it. His friend is a DJ at Buds and they have all organised this party.

"I still can't believe I have lost my son in such a short amount of time. I really thought he had the flu."

Businesses in Melksham have already donated prizes for a charity raffle to be held at the party on January 16, four days after what would have been Mr Smith's 21st birthday.

Mrs Smith said she was amazed at the response from the town since news of her son's tragic death broke.

She said: "It does help to see how popular he was with so many people. We knew he was special to us. Not only was he fun but he was also a best friend and we could talk about everything and anything.

"We didn't know how many friends he had. If he was involved in this charity drive for someone else he would put his 100 per cent backing into it.

Mrs Smith said she hoped the party would raise £1,500, to match the amount raised for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance at Kieran's funeral.

She added: "People are being so wonderful. I want to make sure that people can know what happens when someone has meningitis.

"I would hate to think someone else has to go through the pain and suffering we have, life is so precious."

Tickets for the Buds bar party on January 16 can be bought on the door or in advance for £1. Further details are available from Mrs Smith on 07971 444302.