Bolton mum explains her inspiration for taking part in the Great Manchester Run

10 Jan 2018
Bolton mum explains her inspiration for taking part in the Great Manchester Run

Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) still has some free charity places available for the Great Manchester Run on Sunday 20 May 2018.

31 year old Emma Ratcliffe, a dental nurse from Bolton, took part last year after her son survived bacterial meningitis. Emma said, “I took part in the Manchester 10k to raise funds for MRF because my son Bobby contracted bacterial meningitis in August 2015.

“The onset of the infection was so sudden and quick that it terrifies me to this day. He became unwell in the space of a nappy change. I thank my lucky stars every day that we acted when we did, and our hospital recognised the symptoms and began treating him so quickly.

"The onset of the infection was so sudden and quick that it terrifies me to this day. He became unwell in the space of a nappy change." Emma Ratcliffe

“Bobby’s consultant told us the next day that if we hadn't acted when we did, he would have been in intensive care or worse. That thought makes me sick to the stomach as I didn't have a clue about the signs and symptoms of meningitis, in fact I only knew about the non-blanching rash, which in Bobby’s case, didn't present itself until the following day.

“Luckily, Bobby has made a full recovery and he’s almost five years old and is here with us developing every day into a gorgeous little man. But this nasty infection can take a life in less than 12 hours and it has done so many times. I pray for all the families who have lost children or have been affected by meningitis.

“I ran to raise funds for MRF which works to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms so that other parents know what to look out for. Being part of Team MRF was so much fun and I would recommend running for this worthy cause to anyone, regardless of whether they’ve been affected by the disease personally or not.”

Free places are currently available with MRF in either the 10K or Half Marathon. Both races take in the sights of Manchester and the City Centre location guarantees big crowds and a fantastic atmosphere.

By joining Team MRF runners will be given a fundraising pack, training advice, a running vest with iron on name, and support from MRF’s dedicated fundraising team.

To find out more, click here or contact jenny@meningitis.org.

The money that runners raise at the Great Manchester Run will help support MRF’s lifesaving research into the prevention, detection and early treatment of meningitis and septicaemia and will allow the charity to continue raising awareness and supporting individuals and families affected.

The symptoms of meningitis
The symptoms of meningitis
Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours - know the symptoms.
Media contact
Elaine Devine - Director of Advocacy, Communications & Support
Tel: 0333 405 6248