As most of you will know my son Oli died unexpectedly at the end of May.  He was just seven and a half months old.  It took a couple of weeks until we were told that the reason that he died was because he had contracted pneumococcal meningitis.  
To lose a child is quite possibly one of the worst things that can ever happen to anyone.  To lose a child to an illness that is both preventable and treatable is the main reason why I am trying to raise money for this charity. 
We have always wanted something positive to come from Oli's death. So many of you have already been extremely generous and have made significant contributions to the Evelina London Children's hospital where Oli spent the last 24 hours of his life.  It was here where he was given the most amazing care and support that any parent could hope for.  I realise that to now hope for further donations is a big ask.  But, I am sure you understand why.  
Meningitis Research Foundation is an amazing charity.  They fund research into diagnosis, treatments and after effects in an attempt to help improve the quality of life for people affected. They also offer care and support to families affected by Meningitis. Their ultimate goal is to improve the vaccination to put an end to meningitis and septicaemia for good.  
There are still so many unanswered questions about Oli's death due to the speed and way the bacteria affected him. So hopefully the great work carried out by the Meningitis Research Foundation will in time explain and prevent future occurrences like these.
I've got a long, cold, painful journey ahead of me as I train for the Marathon.  Any contributions that you are able to make will not only go to a great cause but will really spur me on during my training and race day.