London Marathon 2024

Ashley’s step-brother, Matthew, died of Meningococcal septicaemia in April 2023.

Raising awareness of meningitis has become incredibly important to Ashley and his family, especially to his step-mum Sue, who has started a petition to create a duty of care law for seeking medical assistance when someone is ill and getting worse.

Very sadly Matthew suffered symptoms of meningitis for two days before he received medical attention, something the family hope never happens to another person. Ashley says:

“Sadly, the people who were with Matthew at the time of him falling ill left it too late to call for medical attention. He had been severely ill and had even become unconscious before he was finally admitted to hospital. We will never know if he could have survived if he'd been given correct medical help sooner.

“With any symptoms of meningitis, it is crucial to get help as soon as possible. It literally could mean the difference between survival or permanent damage or even death. This is why I want to help raise awareness of Sue’s petition as this hopefully could save many more lives in the future and prevent others suffering the way my brother did.”

Despite many attempts to save him, including seven bypasses, Matthew sadly died of the sepsis that had spread to his spinal cord and brain stem. There were only two days between Matthew first showing flu-like symptoms to passing away.