On Sunday 2nd October 2022, I am running the London Marathon for Meningitis Research Foundation. Meningitis Research Foundation is a charity that is incredibly close to my family's heart.

Four years ago, Isabella (my younger sister) was rushed to hospital with Meningitis. Isabella was seventeen at the time and fell sick whilst at school. Within 24 hours she became incredibly unwell. She was rushed to ICU where she spent a further four days and was incredibly sick. Visiting Isabella in the ICU was harrowing. Isabella was so sick and it all happened so quickly. As a family, we found it difficult to understand what was happening to her but we pulled together and gave her as much support as we could. Thankfully, with the medical attention from the fantastic NHS, Isabella made a recovery and we are eternally grateful.

We are also forever grateful for her friends and teachers who recognised the early signs. Isabella was able to make a full recovery from Meningitis as her school friends and teachers recognised the early signs of Meningitis - they recognised, it wasn't just flu but something more and had to be taken seriously. I can not overstate the importance of catching meningitis early and we owe my sister's life to this awareness.

Many months and years of recovery and Isabella is back to full health. However, it is an illness that took a lot from her, she has faced many challenges but she faces life with a smile and a can do attitude. I am passionate about not only taking on the challenge of the London Marathon to show my sister how proud I am of her and the challenges that she has overcome but also to raise funds and awareness about Meningitis and the early signs to look for in someone suffering from the illness. I work in a school, with young people, like my sister and I want to use this fundraising opportunity to also raise awareness amongst my pupils of the illness and symptoms to look for.

The vision of MRF is so important and one I firmly believe in - a world free from meningitis and septicaemia. Your donations will support a world where effective vaccinations can protect everyone. A world where people who do get the diseases get the most effective diagnosis and treatments possible. A world where people affected and their families have the best support and information. Three points that are key to ensuring others like Isabella can make a full recovery from Meningitis. 

Any donation big or small will mean so much to me, my family and the Meningitis Research Foundation <3