A NIGHT of glitz and glamour is taking place on behalf of a charity inspired by a little boy who has battled meningitis twice yet still continues to smile.

Bradford City FC goalkeeper Colin Doyle’s son Liam was struck down with the often deadly disease when just a babe in arms aged seven weeks.

His wife, Becky, was alone at home with their two other children, Harry, now14 and Ava, now eight, and had to rush her sick son to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where his condition was critical.

Her husband was playing for Birmingham City at the time but was on a pre-season training session in China. He flew back immediately to be at his son’s side as he battled the disease over the next fortnight.

A year later Liam was diagnosed with epilepsy, and was having several fits a day.

In 2012 he was treated again for viral meningitis and was diagnosed with ataxia, which affects co-ordination, balance and speech.

Liam, who is now six, suffered another seizure in 2014 and was treated for pneumococcal septicaemia. In the following months he suffered fits.

When Becky and her family came to live in the district, after her husband's move to Bradford City last summer, she wanted to support a charity helping local people.

She found Best Beginnings, which supports young parents and also fundraises for Meningitis Now, a support group for families which helped them when Liam was first ill.

To raise funds, the Doyles set up a charity, Liam’s Smiles and so far it has raised more than £100,000.

Becky said: “We have organised a charity ball at the Bradford City ground because as a family, we are committed to raising money to help families put smiles back on their faces after a life-changing event.

“This year is particularly special because Liam’s Smiles will be donating money to the national child health charity Best Beginnings as part of the Heads Together Campaign which is being spearheaded by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

“I attended an event Best Beginnings hosted on World Mental Health Day in London last year and was moved by their commitment to helping change the way we talk and think about mental health in this country, so that when life does throw a curve ball, we are all able to reach out for help without fear of judgement and get the support we need.”

Today, Liam is at school and loves it.

His mother added: “We are so grateful and delighted that City team members, captain Romain Vincent and Tony McMahon, have made it a compulsory event for all the players to support us as a family, showing great team spirit. The ball is also backed by Bradford City FC.

“The suite for the charity ball will accommodate around 400 guests with raffle and auction prizes so we expect it to be a very special evening."

The ball takes place at Valley Parade on Saturday, April 1, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £35 and include a three-course meal and entertainment. They can be booked by ringing the club on 01274 706848.

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