So what am I doing now…….in September 2013 the Great North Run (half marathon), in October 2013 I have pledged to do the Dublin Marathon and then in my 40th birth year  October 2014 I am doing my biggest and hardest  and most importantly final challenge The Great Wall Run 2014. This 52km running challenge will see us complete two half Marathons plus an additional 15km run in the shadows of the Great Wall plus experience trekking on the Great Wall of China.

Why am I doing this?  Well first of all as you know our daughter Lillie-Beth  contracted Meningicoccal septicaemia when she was just 5 years old almost losing her life.  We had the most horrific 2 weeks not knowing if she would survive this cruel disease.  Fortunately today she is a healthy and normal 9 year old without any known side effects.  But whilst we were in hospital not knowing what was going to happen, we were in very close contact with The Meningitis Trust who provided us with the vital support and words of comfort that we needed at the time.  From the day that we knew that Lillie-Beth was going to recover, I pledged to raise money for the charity who were our lifeline during a terrible and traumatic time.  They provide the help and support for families who have been affected by meningitis.  

To date as you know, I have completed the Great North run twice and the London marathon twice, raising in excess of £12,000 thanks to the fantastic support of my family, my friends and many businesses.  I will be organising various fund raising events in the coming 2 years in an effort to raise more money so watch this space for details of how you can support us. Plans include a family day, a dinner dance, a music festival and much more.

Additionally through the charity I have become good friends with various people, two of which are Alan and Ruth Glynn who live in scotland.  Sadly their little girl Alexis Rose who was a twin, was tragically killed by Meningitis at just 19 months old.  Alan has pledged to run 100 races before he is 40 to keep Alexis Rose spirit alive.  His runs are made up of 10k runs/half marathons and full marathons.  He is searching for running companions for each of his races and when he asked me to do the Dublin marathon with him, what could I say?????   Alan also hopes to join me in China in 2014, we have some convincing to do with Ruth but I feel confident that he will be there with me.  Alan Glynn is an inspirational man who devotes his life to raising awareness of Meningitis and raising vital funds for the charity in the name of his deeply missed daughter.  Myself and Garry are well aware how lucky we are that we still have Lillie-Beth and by doing these challenges we hope it makes a difference not only to to Alan and Ruth but also to all of those families who are affected by this cruel horrible disease.

Please see Alexis Rose Tribute Fund link under:

https://meningitis-trust.tributefunds.com/fund/Alexis+Rose/showFund/

About meningitis

There are many different causes of meningitis. The two most common organisms are viral and bacterial.

• Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening.
• Viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening, but can leave you with lifelong after-effects.
• All causes of meningitis are serious and need medical attention.
• Meningitis can affect anyone, of any age, at any time, however there are at risk groups.
• Meningitis can strike quickly and without warning, so urgent medical attention is essential.
• Vaccines are the only way to prevent meningitis, and until we have vaccines to prevent all types you need to know the signs and symptoms to look out for and the action to take.
• Most people will make a good recovery, but some will suffer life-long after-effectsand complications

http://www.meningitis-trust.org

 

Team members so far include: Me, Sam Mitchell, Sarah Smith, Tracy McInnes and the list keeps growing :)