So - I've been threatening to do something ridiculous for many years now, and here it is! Please do click read more and find out what I'm doing and why!

The Event

For my sins, I will be running the Paris Marathon on 7 April 2024.

All 26 miles of it... (eek!)

Rather fittingly, this will mark exactly 10 years (almost to the day) since I fell ill. I have put my story below if anyone wants to read it.

Encephalitis International

Our mission is to increase global awareness of encephalitis, saving lives and building better futures.

Worldwide, a person is diagnosed with encephalitis (brain inflammation) every minute. Caused by infection or by autoimmune diseases, encephalitis strikes children and adults alike with no respect for gender or ethnicity. It is an acutely serious condition with high mortality rates, leaving many who survive with an acquired brain injury which will affect their memory, thinking and personality for the rest of their lives.

My Story

10 years ago I suddenly and unexpectedly fell ill from viral encephalitis at the age of 15. Not something most people have even heard of but it does affect millions of people worldwide.

I spent the next 5-6 months living in hospital, overnight stays and I missed out on a huge amount of schooling. I suffered from short-term memory loss and more significant amnesia which had a much longer term impact on my education.

Whilst I thankfully don't remember most of my time in hospital, it was an incredibly difficult time for my friends and especially for my family. This is why this particular cause is so important to me. They do so much good work supporting the families of those who are suffering from encephalitis.

I was extremely lucky to come out the other side, and to be able to have the amazing life I have now - lots of other people are not so lucky.

Please if you would consider donating any small amount to help my poor shin splints to survive incredibly long runs, that would be greatly appreciated! Every bit of money makes such a difference and will give me a real push on race day.

Thanks for reading - please donate!

Meg

xx