A BRIDGWATER man has scrapped a traditional birthday celebration to give money to his fundraising friend whose son died from meningitis three years ago.

Julian Bale turned 40 on June 9, but insisted that instead of friends and relatives buying gifts, they make a donation to Craig Berry, who set up Ethan's Fund, named after his son who passed away at just 18 months old and launched to promote awareness and research into the disease.

Julian explained: "It was my 40th birthday and everyone wore fancy dress from either the 1970s or 1980s and I wanted to do something for my best friend Craig, who I have known for most of my life.

"Everyone was amazing and should be thanked for their kind donations - I don't think £256 for one day's work is too bad."

Craig Berry of Ethan's Fund, which operates in conjunction with the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "The first I knew was when he Julian telephoned me last week to say instead of presents he had asked people to donate money for Meningitis Research - it's fantastic.

"We have had people who have had weddings and parents who have christened their children and given us money instead of receiving gifts.

"The money Julian raised takes us over £33,000 and I'd like to thank him for his generosity and foresight which may help save someone's life."