I’m taking on a big challenge to support the Meningitis Research Foundation, and I need your help. I'm taking part in the 2026 London Marathon. My goal is to help the foundation provide emotional support to those affected by meningitis during their most challenging times, I also want to contribute to its mission of achieving a world free from meningitis and septicaemia.

Meningitis is a serious and often life-threatening illness that can lead to death within hours. Each year, approximately 2.3 million people around the world are affected by meningitis. Sadly, about one in every ten people who contract the disease will not survive, and around one in five individuals who suffer from bacterial meningitis are left with lasting complications.

While anyone can develop meningitis, certain groups are at a higher risk. Infants are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still in the process of developing.

Meningitis and septicaemia, which can sometimes lead to sepsis, are frequently misdiagnosed. The Meningitis Research Foundation has done an excellent job raising awareness in both the medical community and among families everywhere, thanks to the generosity of the public and their incredible fundraising efforts.

In 1988, my sister Rachel tragically lost her life to meningitis.

Despite showing many of the typical symptoms, her illness was not diagnosed during the initial visit with a doctor. As the hours passed, her condition rapidly worsened. A second doctor was called, and she was rushed to the hospital, but by then, the infection had already taken hold.

Rachel passed away at just 18 months old.

Less than two weeks after the 2026 London Marathon would mark Rachel’s 40th birthday.

I’m running in her memory and to support families who, like ours, find themselves facing the unimaginable. By fundraising for the Meningitis Research Foundation, I hope to honour her life and help ensure others receive the support, research, and early diagnosis that could save lives.

I am reaching out to ask for your support. By donating to my fundraising page, you’re not only supporting life-saving work, you’re also giving me the motivation to keep going during those dark, freezing winter training runs. Every step I take on those cold pavements is with April and the London Marathon in sight and with your support in my heart.

Thank you for your support and for joining me on this incredible journey. Together, we can truly make a difference, one step at a time.

Every donation, regardless of its size, has a meaningful impact.