A NEW shop set up by parents to raise money for meningitis charities has been opened by a Bolton celebrity.

Crackerjack star Stu Francis officially opened the shop in St Helens Road set up by Brent and Ann Howarth, who were inspired after being told that their son Vanna had meningitis.

Initially, the illness left Vanna with a raft of physical problems, including with his hearing, his balance and his speech.

Now aged 13, the youngster has recovered but still suffers with long-term learning difficulties as a result of the disease.

His parents were originally told their son had measles, but were later informed it was meningitis and decided to set up the shop to raise funds for Meningitis Now, a charity which has supported them.

Mr Howarth said he was delighted to have opened the shop to raise cash for the charity which helped the family so much.

He said: "We are hoping to raise as much as possible, and we want people to come in and support us.

"We thought we would have a shop to give something back to the charity."

Stu added: "It's a great cause and when they told me what it's all about, I said I'd be there. I wish them all the best."

Vanna is a happy, bouncing 13-year-old boy who enjoys climbing trees and playing on the Xbox, he gets on well with his three brothers and sister.

Not every family is as lucky as the Howarths – Bolton dad Robert Leyland lost his three-year-old daughter Morgan to meningitis in 2002.

To contact Meningitis Now to donate or suggest fund raising ideas, call them (0)1453 768000. Alternatively, Email: i

nfo@meningitisnow.org