In 2012 when my eldest, Fred, was 3 months old, he was admitted with bacterial meningitis. Those first hours and days were the most terrifying Dan and I could imagine as we wondered whether our son would live, and then whether life would take a new direction. Thankfully, Fred responded to the treatment. This photo still brings tears to my eyes: after a week of him having a weird squint, not focusing on anything and not smiling.... this smile was such a relief.

Fred is now 7 years old and you would never know to look at him that he ever suffered with Meningitis. But every August on the anniversary of his admission we still take a moment to think of how lucky he was.

Globally, meningitis affects 2.8 million people every year. Worldwide, 1 in 10 people affected by meningitis will die and 2 in 10 will suffer some sort of brain injury.

In September 2019 Michelle and I are running the Great North Run to support the Meningitis Research Foundation in their work to change these statistics. All your donations are very much appreciated, thank you xx

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