HE was just 19 days old when he lost his battle with one of the cruellest diseases.

Despite his being born at a healthy 8lb and 8oz, the proud new parents of little William Fraser quickly knew something was wrong when he stopped wanting to feed.

Within weeks, after a stay in intensive care at Southampton General Hospital, the tiny tot had tragically passed away at his home, unable to defeat a deadly strain of meningitis.

Daily Echo:

Baby William died just 19 days old due to meningitis

Now his family are planning a charity walk in his honour, to raise cash for an organisation that helps other families who have been bereaved or are living with the life-changing consequences of the illness.

Amy and Richard Fraser and their children are hoping hundreds of people will turn out for William’s Walk – a seven-mile route between Hamble and Warsash – which they hope will raise more than £5,000.

They did a similar sponsored walk two years ago which raised £7,000.

Amy, 30, from Sarisbury Green, said: “Meningitis is the cruellest thing in the world and it is the hardest thing to lose a child. You don’t ever come to terms with it.

“I don’t think I could have got through the last three years without the support of Meningitis Now. They provide such a huge amount of support.

“We don’t want people to go through what we did. You never want any other families to suffer the pain and anguish we felt.”

The walk takes place on Saturday, May 17, and will begin at 10am meeting by the pink ferry at Shore Road car park in Warsash before heading up the riverfront, crossing over the Hamble and round the back of the village.

Anyone who wants to take part in William’s Walk can contact Amy on 07955 255977 or or Jenny Bevis on 07849 310925.