For those of you who know me well I'm not the Marathon type (unless you're talking about the early 90's pre snickers chocolate bar). However I have signed up to do the Milton Keynes Marathon in May.

I'm doing this as part of a group at work to raise money for Meningitis Now.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by many different organisms, including bacteria and viruses.

• 10% of bacterial cases result in death
• 1 in 3 of those who survive are left with after effects, many of which are severe such as brain damage, hearing and sight loss, and where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs or scarring.
• Bacterial meningitis kills more UK children under the age of five than any other infectious disease.

These horrific statistics came to life for one of my colleagues just over a year ago when his young son died just before Christmas 2016 as a result of sudden on set of Meningitis.

Being a dad of two young boys myself I can't even begin to imagine the devastating effect this would have on a family.

This is why I have opted to raise money for Meningitis Now.

Meningitis Now is a fantastic charity that conducts research into the effects and treatments of meningitis, offering support for those who survive this horrific virus and need help in the short and long term, and in the very sad situation where there is a family bereavement offers support for the families who have lost a loved one.

As a team we have a target of £13,000 to raise for meningitis now, and for my part I need to reach a minimum of £500.

If you can spare any money at all for such an amazing charity it would be hugely appreciated