Paul said, “I took part in the Manchester 10k to raise funds for MRF because my youngest daughter Katie contracted bacterial meningitis when she was five weeks old. It was a Sunday morning when we discovered Katie had meningitis. She was weak and floppy and was running a temperature of over 40°C. Once we checked her skin, we could see a rash and it was at this point that we contacted the emergency doctor who advised us to take her to the hospital. She was in hospital for five days and has since made a full recovery and is now a healthy happy three year old.
“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. It’s a fabulous team and it was a pleasure to run for TeamMRF – so much so I’m doing it again in 2019.
“My mum and dad have been hard at work knitting chicks to sell at Easter to help raise money for MRF too. They have bought boxes of Crème eggs to go in them.”
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.
Anyone looking for a New Year challenge is welcome to apply for a charity place with MRF, regardless of whether they’ve been affected by the disease personally or not.
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, visit www.meningitis.org/gmr19 or contact erin@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.