On the 15ᵗʰ of August 2027, my brother Saul and I are taking on one of the toughest endurance challenges of our lives, Ironman Leeds. In this we will be swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and running a full 26.2-mile marathon.

In doing this challenge we are looking to raise funds and awareness for the Meningitis Research Foundation which is a charity close to us and our family.

Our Story

In 2015, when my brother Saul was seventeen, he suddenly came down with what seemed like severe cold or flu symptoms. He became extremely fatigued, drowsy and had neck pain. His condition declined rapidly and a rash developed across his entire body. My Mothers partner who is a paramedic, quickly recognised these signs and symptoms as meningitis and Saul was rushed to hospital. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with Meningococcal Meningitis which is a strain of bacterial meningitis (Men-B). Saul spent a week in hospital, and it took him a further few months to regain his full strength and fitness.

One year later, in February 2016, while studying for my GCSE's at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, I visited the Doctor due to a sore throat and elevated temperature. During the examination, the Doctor noticed petechiae (tiny red or purple spots) in the roof of my mouth. Soon after, a full-body rash developed, and I was diagnosed with Meningococcal Meningitis.

I was immediately rushed to Wrexham Maelor Hospital by ambulance. Stabilised in A&E, then admitted to the children's ward. For two weeks, I remained bed-bound and experienced extreme fatigue. Although I was discharged after those two weeks, it took several more weeks to fully recover.

Further investigations revealed that both of our cases of meningitis resulted from a complement deficiency known as Properdin Deficiency. This rare condition means that we are more susceptible to meningitis and puts us at a higher risk of repeated episodes. To mitigate this risk, we both take daily antibiotic tablets as instructed by our immunologist.

Me and Saul consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have made full recoveries from meningitis and we are incredibly grateful for the exceptional medical care and support we received. Given our experiences with meningitis, we understand the importance of early recognition and the significance of prompt medical attention. We are sharing our story to help raise awareness about meningitis and to hopefully contribute to future prevention and management of the disease.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read our story. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Drew & Saul.