TWO relatives of a toddler who learned sign language after he was left deaf following meningitis will support Bryan Adams in concert in front of 21,000 people.

Lynn and daughter Etienne, the grandmother and aunt of little Marley Goldsack-Renshall decided to learn sign language.

Before his first birthday, Marley, from Blackbrook, was struck down by a mystery illness, discovered to be pneumococcal meningitis, a bacterial form of the illness, as well as viral meningitis.

His family were told he is unlikely to have survived if he had not been treated two hours later.

Despite being left left profoundly deaf, Marley is set to attend a regular primary school this September and his family are delighted to see him living as a happy healthy young boy.

Lynn, 56, and Etienne, 26, decided to learn sign and have got involved with choirs including the Concert Signers, which raises deaf awareness.

Lynn, a nursery nurse at Ashurst Primary School, said: “We joined with no signing experience whatsoever.

“We’ve done a number of performances with Ken Dodd and Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet and lots of charity performances. We actually practise at Jamm Studios.

“It’s really exciting to be able to spread awareness and they are expecting 21,000 there at the Manchester Arena.

Lynn added: “Marley is doing really well, beyond our expectations really.”

Jen Hughes who manages Concert Signers, added: “Concert Signers are a small group, our aim to raise deaf awareness and awareness of sign language and to bring this to the stage for many deaf and hard of hearing concert goers.  

"Bryan Adams is such a fantastic supporter of deaf awareness and sign language. To raise deaf awareness in front of 21,000 people for Concert Signers debut will be so far reaching, which is our aim. 

"On the evening Bryan has asked Concert Signers to sign his song from the film “Spirit” called “Here I Am” co written with German film composer Hans Zimmer.

"We’d like to thank Jamm Studios who have been wonderful in letting Concert Signers rehearse at their fantastic studios.”

Concert Signers on the night are Jen Hughes, Lynn Goldsack, Etienne Goldsack, Pamela Foster Rigby, Debbie Flanagan and Fiona Whitelaw.