In November 2021, my dad contracted Meningitis. 

After weeks of unusual symptoms including intense headaches, memory loss and falls, one morning he developed what we thought were stroke symptoms (unable to construct sentences and one side weakness). He was rushed to hospital where he spent a night in the neuro intensive care unit and then another 8 months on a neuro rehabilitation ward. 

These 8 months involved him having countless MRI scans, anti viral medications, antibiotics, anti immune medications, lumbar punctures and episodes of confusion to the point that he didn’t know where he was or who we were. 

Needless to say, it was heartbreaking to watch for myself and my family. With the expectation of only the worst. 

Fortunately for us, dad was in one of the leading neurology research hospitals in the UK; and was being cared for by some of the best medical and nursing team. Without the ongoing research Meningitis Research Foundation do, who knows what the outcome of my dads illness could have been.

The London Marathon has always been an ambition of mine and my dad’s incredible recovery from such a sinister illness really made me want to run on behalf of Meningitis Research Foundation. 

This charity provides life saving funding for scientists and clinicians who are developing vaccines and treatment options for this potentially fatal illness. 

Thank you for reading my story and thank you in advance for your support and donations.