One morning in 2018 I was driving to a garage when I started developing an unbearable pain in my head and neck and began to lose my vision. I was later diagnosed with Viral Meningitis and whilst I was lucky enough to come out predominantly unscathed, I am still working through the psychological impact of such an experience.

Fast forward 5 years to my baby nephew, 6 weeks old and premature, he begins displaying a multitude of worrisome symptoms. Rory is blue lighted to Manchester Hospital and diagnosed with a number of viruses and serious illnesses including RSV, bronchiolitis and Viral Meningitis. This experience is not only a traumatic ordeal for Rory and his tiny body, it has also had a major impact on his whole family both mentally and physically.

The Meningitis Research Foundation has one main goal, to make sure no other family goes through what we all have.

This means reducing new cases of meningitis by 50%. Reducing deaths by 70%. Ending epidemics. Ensuring people get the support and aftercare they need. It is a highly ambitious aim, but one that they and their partners in this work think is achievable.

Meningitis lags behind other diseases in progress and funding, therefore in order to help them achieve their goal, I and a group of other wonderful women in my family will be running the Pretty Muddy 5k in Preston. I will be raising money for the MRF whilst my team will be supporting a number of other incredible causes.

Anyone who knows me is fully aware of my lack of enthusiasm to run anywhere, therefore you know how much this cause means to me. Please donate any spare pennies you can or just come along for moral support and have a giggle at my expense ❤️