Hi guys. Just letting you know the run went very well - I finished in 4 hours 38 minutes. I would like to thank all the people that have sponsored me so far, which has been very much appreciated. I would also like to thank Lindsay Walsh of Greengate Components for his kind donation, as well as BSFAA consultants limited for their generous contribution. This page will continue to be open for a while so if you can, please keep on donating! Kind regards, Kev.

 

 

 

 

Below is an article that was posted in the Meningitis research magazine:

 

"A local man from Oldham whose niece died from Meningitis will be running his first marathon in April to raise money for national charity Meningitis Research Foundation.  

Kevin Holder (47), from Oldham has signed up to take part in the world famous Virgin London Marathon on 21 April alongside thousands of other runners - many of whom will be raising vital funds for charities across the UK.

Kevin said: “My niece, Sophie was taken to the Doctor on a Friday afternoon and then rushed to the nearby hospital. A few hours passed before a consultant paediatrician was available to review Sophie’s case. During this time a rash had developed on parts of her body and she had become much quieter than normal.  Sophie was given an injection of anti-biotics and her parents (advised by the paediatrician) were told that she was very poorly and would need careful attention but she sadly passed away at 4.00am. We need charities like MRF to research the disease, ensure people are aware about how to spot the symptoms and support those who lose a loved one or have a lifetime of after effects

By taking part in the Virgin London Marathon I hope to raise awareness of this terrible disease and how quickly it strikes and help Meningitis Research Foundation continue their research and support for those affected by Meningitis.”

 

Kevin hopes to complete the race in 4 hours and 15 mins and you can sponsor him at:http://www.justgiving.com/Kevin-Holder1

Chris Head, Chief Executive of MRF, said: “We are extremely grateful to Kevin for raising money for Meningitis Research Foundation and taking on the challenge of the Virgin London marathon in April. His family sadly know how quickly meningitis strikes people of all ages and especially babies and toddlers. We rely on voluntary donations to fund our vital work into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. So every penny raised through his efforts will make a huge difference. ”

For information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, you can call the Freefone helpline on 080 8800 3344, visit www.meningitis.org or download the free app from i-tunes ‘Meningitis – Know the Symptoms’."