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With virtually no prior running experience, I’ve decided it’s a great idea to run the AJ Bell Great Manchester Half Marathon on the 18th of May.

Yes, I may be having a bit of quarter-life crisis, but I am doing it for a great cause.

I am on a mission to raise money and awareness for Meningitis Now, a charity that’s close to my heart.

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

It’s a terrifying disease that can:

• Affect anyone of any age

• Meningitis can kill

• Meningitis can cause long-term after-effects

• Viral and bacterial are the most common causes of meningitis

• Has life-changing after-effects such as hearing or sight loss, and in severe cases limb loss.

No vaccine offers 100% protection, and early symptoms are easy to overlook. That’s what makes it so dangerous, what can seem like “just a cold” or “only a headache” can turn out to be life changing.

My story

On 13th October, I was rushed into Manchester Royal Infirmary and diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, the worst form of meningitis, and a disease I’d never heard of.

It began as what felt like a regular cold: a sore throat, mild headache, nothing alarming. That lasted for about a week, then things escalated into flu-like symptoms: fever, muscle pain, and a bad headache. I now know these are all the classic warning signs of Meningitis, which I ignored.

Three days later, and a day before I was admitted to hospital, I was in a delirious state and had turned blue in colour, which I now know was signs of sepsis. Thankfully, a friend noticed and called 111, who told him to call 999 or get me to hospital. I was later told that if I’d waited any longer, I could have developed sepsis, and it even may have been fatal.

The Aftermath

The next month in hospital was the hardest time of my life, endless rounds of IV antibiotics, blood tests, and several scans. The meningitis led to further complications such as ventriculitis (which has a mortality rate of 1 in 4). I developed issues with my heart (now thankfully resolved), and I’m still dealing with ongoing long-term effects, fatigue, dizziness, and trouble focusing for long periods.

Even so, I know I’ve been extremely lucky.

So, I am sharing my story to make sure everyone knows what meningitis is, how to spot the signs, and to support Meningitis Now in their incredible work, helping others like me, and those who aren’t as fortunate.

If my story can raise even a little awareness or help someone act quicker in the future, then it’s already worth it to me.

So, I ask to please donate whatever you can, no amount is too small, your support genuinely will make a difference.

Thank you so so much for reading, for donating, for sharing, and for supporting me with this cause.

Now, I best get back to training!