Aimee was born on 20th November, 1987, a baby sister to Kirsty, then aged 21 months.
Aimee was a healthy, contented, happy baby, but all our lives changed in late August 1988 when, at the age of nine months, she became unwell.
Initially, we were not concerned as all babies are poorly sometimes. However, when she became sleepy, her breathing became shallow and her skin became pale, we knew that something was certainly wrong with her.
Our doctor admitted her to hospital and for three days tests were carried out to determine why she was so poorly. Maybe I should have considered meningitis but with no signs of a rash, why should I? She was not given any antibiotics as it was thought that it was a virus.
When she showed no signs of improvement, further tests were carried out, which confirmed that she had contracted meningococcal septicaemia. By this time, her little body could not cope with the infection, and we were informed that her organs were failing.
On 26th August 1988, Aimee’s life support was switched off and she fell asleep for the final time.
I often ask myself, “Would Aimee still be with us today if the research into meningitis and septicaemia was available in 1988?” but that is the question that no one can answer. If only we had known then what we know today, we would not have been so naïve and I would have asked so many more questions.
Since our loss of Aimee, we have been lucky to welcome Natalie and Morgan to our family. Even though they never got to meet their sister, we openly talk about her and she is certainly a part of all their lives too.
I started running after Aimee died, and found that when I need time to reflect, I imagine that Aimee is running wild and free alongside me.
I wholly support Meningitis Research Foundation as without their research, many parents would be in the same situation of losing their child to meningitis. That’s a pain that I do not wish any other family to suffer.
Fully supported by my family, in my 40s I ran my first London Marathon and have since ran two further London Marathons in my 50s and 60s. Morgan also completed it in 2025 too, all in support of Meningitis Research Foundation.
On World Meningitis Day on 5th October, I am competing in the Cardiff Half Marathon in support of Meningitis Research Foundation. This year, I’m aiming to complete the marathon in less than two hours - but I’m not sure if my legs will be in agreement!
Cardiff Half Marathon is part of the Six Super Halves, which I am hoping to complete by the time I reach 65. Once again, I will be proud to wear my vest and wholly support Meningitis Research Foundation throughout in memory of Aimee.
20th November 1987 – 26th August 1988.
