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I am running the 2027 London Marathon because I want to help Meningitis Research Foundation achieve their goal of a world free from meningitis. #DefeatMeningitis

My story

In October 2016, while studying at St Andrews, I became suddenly and critically unwell with meningococcal septicaemia (bacterial MenW). What began as what I thought was flu escalated into a life‑threatening emergency. I was taken to Ninewells Hospital, placed in an induced coma and spent over 10 days in intensive care. During that time I went into ventricular fibrillation and required 2 rounds of CPR, experienced multiple organ failure and kidney failure requiring dialysis, dangerously low oxygen levels and circulatory collapse. To keep me stable, IV fluids were pumped in to maintain blood pressure, I was on two inotropes to support my blood pressure, and I went through large volumes of blood platelets. There were discussions about amputations, skin grafts and a tracheostomy — but thanks to an exceptional medical team, and a lot of luck, I survived.

Recovery was long and exhausting. I left hospital with just 3% kidney function, had to re-learn how to walk, and spent months in rehabilitation. I returned to university and sport in January 2017, though I have not escaped completely unscathed, including necrotic bone in my ankles and tendon issues, some scarring, and ongoing kidney damage resulting in high blood pressure which needs to be managed with medication. I now serve as a trustee of Meningitis Research Foundation, and I’m determined to raise awareness so fewer families ever have to go through what mine did.