Duncan Nealon
Raising money and awareness for Meningitis Now
Fundraising for Meningitis Now
Story
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I am raising money for Meningitis Now, and awareness of the symptoms of meningitis, in celebration of Barney Adlington who died of Meningitis Septicaemia in 2005, approximately 12 hours after first complaining of a headache. Barney was 3 and a half years old.
I knew Barney through our rugby club, Claverdon RFC. Barney's dad, Rod (aka Turks to everyone at the club) is a former Club Captain and all round club legend. Rod is a Trustee of Meningitis Now and his son Toby is an Ambassador for the charity. Despite his tragically short life, Barney was a firm fixture down Clav; known and loved by everyone involved at the club at that time.
The challenge I am seeking sponsorship for is to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon dressed in full rugby kit. The record stipulates the wearing of an "RFU accredited club's rugby socks, shorts & shirt, along with a mouthguard and scrum cap, and the carrying of a ball throughout the duration of the race."
I previously attempted the record at London in October 2021. After several false-dawns, due to races being cancelled because of the pandemic, I had trained to run 3hr10m. At the time, the record was 3hr14m. When I arrived on the start line, I was told that there were two other chaps, who had set off in the wave before me, also having a pop at the record. I was reliably told that one of them was setting off at 3h05m pace. I was faced with something of a dilemma. Did I set off at my pre-determined pace, and hope he slowed, or did I set off faster? I chose to role the dice, and set off at 3hr03m pace. I managed to hold this until mile 23, when I hit the dreaded wall of doom. The final 5km was pretty grotty and I came in at 3hr18m. The gamble was the right call though, as the other chap, Mark Williamson, did indeed run 3hr05m. All respect to that. So 3hr05m is the target! I just need to train harder & eat cleaner... It won't be easy, but that's the whole point!
I previously attempted the record at London in October 2021. After several false-dawns, due to races being cancelled because of the pandemic, I had trained to run 3hr10m. At the time, the record was 3hr14m. When I arrived on the start line, I was told that there were two other chaps, who had set off in the wave before me, also having a pop at the record. I was reliably told that one of them was setting off at 3h05m pace. I was faced with something of a dilemma. Did I set off at my pre-determined pace, and hope he slowed, or did I set off faster? I chose to role the dice, and set off at 3hr03m pace. I managed to hold this until mile 23, when I hit the dreaded wall of doom. The final 5km was pretty grotty and I came in at 3hr18m. The gamble was the right call though, as the other chap, Mark Williamson, did indeed run 3hr05m. All respect to that. So 3hr05m is the target! I just need to train harder & eat cleaner... It won't be easy, but that's the whole point!
Once again, I will be attempting this record dressed in full Claverdon RFC kit. It will be fantastic to have another go at the record, finishing in Stratford-Upon-Avon, a stone's throw from where we used to celebrate Claverdon RFC victories, and commiserate our losses. For me, personally, Stratford-Upon-Avon is my home town, having grown up in the small village, Pillerton Hersey, between Ettington & Wellesbourne.
The Claverdon RFC link is an important one. Claverdon is a tiny club in rugby terms, but a massive club in terms of heart. When the unthinkable happened, Claverdon did its very best to support the Adlington family, and continues to support Meningitis Now as a charity. Rod had been our Club Captain and a true leader of men. It went without saying that the whole club would get behind him and his family. Like many rugby clubs around the land, Claverdon is one big family, bonded together by various bands of brothers who played together for many years. To attempt this record in my home town whilst wearing the red & white of Claverdon will be a proud and emotional day. Far, far more important though is raising funds and awareness to stop this terrible disease.
More than anything however, with the full blessing and direction of the incredible Adlington family, this is a celebration of Barney's short but wonderful life. In celebrating Barney's life, we are hoping to raise as much money as possible, whilst also raising awareness of the symptoms of meningitis to reduce the impact of this awful disease.
More than anything however, with the full blessing and direction of the incredible Adlington family, this is a celebration of Barney's short but wonderful life. In celebrating Barney's life, we are hoping to raise as much money as possible, whilst also raising awareness of the symptoms of meningitis to reduce the impact of this awful disease.
Please donate what you can, and please share this to help raise awareness of the symptoms and signs of meningitis.
https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/
Thank you for reading.
Thank you for reading.