In memory of aunt, Amy, I will be running the London Marathon (2019) to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

I’ve run several 5Ks, 10Ks, and even Half-marathons, but I’ve never committed to running a marathon. I’ve always wanted to run the London Marathon and I wanted to run it for a cause close to my heart.

In 1999, Amy passed away from Meningitis; she was only 19 years old at the time. As a seven-year-old, I couldn’t quite comprehend that her high fever and frequent visits to the bathroom were signs of something very serious. It’s incredibly common for young people to mistake their symptoms for “Fresher’s flu’”, and not see a doctor until it’s too late. 

Amy excused herself from the dinner table because she wasn’t feeling well. She went to bed and a few hours later I woke up to the sound of an ambulance siren; the image of flashing blue lights seared into my brain. That night Amy passed away.

Amy was an incredibly gifted and generous person. Swimming, photography, painting and making people feel special – were all things she excelled at.