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I received the news this week that I have been accepted to run for the Meningitis Research Foundation in the NYC Marathon 19 in November. As a survivor of the illness this is something that I will take immense pride in being able to raise awareness for the MRF. 

This year marks 20 years since I was almost killed by the destructive infection and escaped death by a mere few hours, having been taken ill with meningococcal serogroup C (meningitis C). Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord and the onset can be extremely quick, some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicemia. It is essential to know the signs and act quickly as the right actions can be lifesaving. It is still the second largest infectious killer of children under 5 globally.

I also lost my Uncle Jimmy to this deadly disease before WW2. I never got to meet him as he was taken prematurely at just 8 years of age and my father was only 1 when he passed away. 

The after effects can be devastating. I still personally now suffer from concentrations issues especially with trying to sit down and read a book. Yet I know am one of the more fortunate ones as following illness this can include loss of limbs and deafness.

It will be an honour to fundraise for the Meningitis Research Foundation and if it saves one life or even gives someone the self-belief that there is life after the disease then that is something. Raising awareness and giving people the knowledge of what to look out for and act quickly can save lives and hopefully we can push to a goal of a world free of Meningitis for years to come. 

My heart goes out to anyone who has ever lost anyone or been effected by this terrible illness and I thank all family and friends at that time that were there to help me through it. X

To read my full Meningitis story go to fazmangoes.com – Journal – Meningitis – My Story.

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