I will be running the Great Manchester Half Marathon on the 18th of May 2025 for Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research. ​Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research is a UK-based charity dedicated to funding scientific research, aiming to prevent and treat meningitis, sepsis, and related diseases. Established in 2023, the organisation focuses on advancing public education and providing peer-to-peer support for those affected by these illnesses.

The charity was founded by Steve Dayman MBE, who has been a prominent and inspirational figure in the fight against meningitis for over four decades. He initiated the meningitis movement in the UK after the loss of his young son in 1982, leading to the formation of multiple meningitis charities. Steve's contributions have not gone unrecognised, being awarded an MBE in 2011 for his services to healthcare among many more.

The reason I have chosen to run for this charity is linked to my families own battles and scares from this awful illness. In 2004, shortly after my little brother James was brought into this world, he was diagnosed with Meningitis at only 3 months old. He battled hard, day and night with family, doctors and nurses by his side. Doctors gave him a very slim chance of survival.

Unlike many of the stories you hear about people's battle with this illness, James made a miraculous recovery which surprised everyone, not least the doctors. However, that wouldn't be the last time he would battle Meningitis. 5 years later, on a quiet Friday night, it reared its ugly head again. He was rushed to hospital, and a crucial Lumbar Puncture Procedure was performed along with appropriate antibiotics administered quickly, this allowed him to make his 2nd full recovery from this illness. He is now a thriving 20-year old, living life to its fullest.

Whilst his was a story of battling and overcoming this illness, countless others are not so lucky. The most recent data, from 2021, revealed that there were over 200,000 deaths resulting from Meningitis, with 43% of those being children under the age of 5.

Meningitis can strike suddenly and have devastating consequences — especially for babies, children, and young adults. Early diagnosis and prevention are critical, but many people still don’t know the signs or the importance of vaccination.

What makes meningitis so dangerous is how quickly it develops. A person can go from feeling perfectly fine to critically ill in a matter of hours. In severe cases, it can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, amputations, or even death. Because the early symptoms often resemble those of the flu — things like fever, headache, or tiredness — it’s easy to miss the warning signs until it’s too late.

It is for these reasons I will be running for Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research on the 18th of May, aiming to raise more awareness and fundraising for their research into vaccinations. This will hopefully, one day, eradicate this disease which claims so many lives.

Please give what you can, this is a truly great cause very close to mine, my families and countless others hearts. 100% of donations will go directly to Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research.