23 year old, Letitia Egan, from Worcester Park in Surrey, has set herself the gruelling challenge of competing in the London Marathon on the 23 April in aid of the charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

Letitia, who is a student on a law conversion course, chose to run for MRF after her friend sadly died from meningitis.

Letitia said, “I set myself the challenge of running the London marathon and running for MRF was the obvious choice. In 2011 I became acutely aware of meningitis and how frighteningly fast it can kill when one of my friends, Georgia Tait, was taken from us. We had just finished our A-levels at Sutton High School. Georgia got ill on her 18th birthday and died just weeks before she would have received her astounding A-level results and taken up her place at Durham University.

“Teenagers are one of the age groups most at risk of meningitis yet so few young people know the symptoms. It would be a privilege to run the marathon for MRF so that they can continue their work to stop more young lives being lost to this terrible disease.”

If you are able to sponsor Letitia to help her reach her £1700 fundraising goal you can visit her fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lettie-Egan.

Vinny Smith, Chief Executive of MRF said, “We are really grateful to Letitia for taking on this huge challenge to help raise funds for MRF. Meningitis and septicaemia can strike quickly, sometimes killing in hours, and leaving some survivors with life-changing after effects. The money raised will enable us to fund vital scientific research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis, raise awareness of the disease and support those affected.” 
 
The first symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion. People who are ill with meningitis and septicaemia can deteriorate rapidly and not everyone gets all of these symptoms. It’s important for people to trust their instincts and get medical help immediately if they suspect meningitis.

The London marathon is regarded as one of the most popular running events in the world. Starting at Greenwich Park and finishing by Buckingham Palace, the route takes the runners through some of central London’s top attractions.

For information about meningitis and septicaemia call the Freefone helpline on 080 8800 3344 or visit www.meningitis.org.

Article supplied by Samantha Williams