From July 19th I’ll be cycling solo up the length of Scotland for Meningitis UK, from Berwick Upon Tweed to John O Groats. A distance of about 420 miles over 8 ½ days using mostly quiet roads and cycle routes. It’s a journey I’ve wanted to make for a while and my experience of Bacterial Meningitis and Septicaemia in January, plus the effects afterwards, made me appreciate that some opportunities in life are not to be sniffed at.

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It spreads fast and can be life-threatening. The more serious types can kill in under 4 hours. Symptoms include headache, stiff neck, fever, vomiting, confusion, intolerance of light/noise, rashes, seizures and drowsiness.

Sometimes Meningitis brings on Septicaemia, a form of uncontrollable blood poisoning that can result in loss of life or limbs. Symptoms of this include delirium, joint pain, cold hands/feet, fast breathing and vomiting.

I frequently come across stories which I find upsetting. Such as a recent fatal outbreak at a school in Cornwall, a medical student who died after contracting it on a ward, and an expectant mother who survived but lost her baby.

Meningitis UK fund research into preventative measures, improving survival rates and better after-care. They also help promote awareness and provide support to those affected. Donations are greatly appreciated and will go towards understanding such terrible illness. It’ll also help those that have been, or will be affected. If you're a UK taxpayer you may also select the Gift Aid option to increase your donation slightly at NO EXTRA COST to you.

THANK YOU!

David Scard