Local woman tackles London Marathon in memory of daughter who died of meningitis
Amanda Warnett, from Gunnislake, has set herself t
he gruelling challenge of competing in the Virgin Money London Marathon in aid of international charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).
Amanda will be running the Marathon for the second time on 24 April 2016.
Amanda said: “I got a place in the ballot and am running in memory of my daughter Aimee who died of Group C Meningococcal Septicaemia in August 1998 when she was only 9 months old. She was admitted to hospital and no diagnosis or antibiotics were given until three days after her admission and four days later her life support was stopped. I do feel that if the awareness of Meningitis was as prominent then as it is today, maybe Aimee would have survived. Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases you never expect to happen, but when they strike they can be devastating not just for the person who falls sick, but for all their loved ones, family and friends.”
“I am hoping to rasie as much money as possible for MRF and to raise awareness of a new vaccine being offered to teenagers from the age of 14-18 and those going to University for the first time – ACWY. If you can get protected against this disease then get yourself vaccinated.”
If you wish to sponsor Amanda you can visit her online donation page at: https://www.justgiving.com/amandawarnett/
Esther Trackman at Meningitis Research Foundation said: “We are e
xtremely grateful to Amanda for running the London Marathon in April on our behalf. As she is sadly aware meningitis and septicaemia can strike quickly and are difficult to diagnose and treat. The money raised from taking part in the Marathon will help us to raise awareness of the disease and allow us to fund long term research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. We rely on voluntary donations, so every penny she raises through running 26.2 miles will make a huge difference to the charity”
If you would like to run for MRF in 2016, or for any other fundraising ideas, please call the Fundraising Team on 0333 405 6263 or visit: http://www.meningitis.org/get-involved
For information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, you can call the Freefone helpline on 080 8800 3344, visit www.meningitis.org.
ENDS
Media contacts: Amanda is happy for you to contact her directly to interview her or take pictures. Please contact her on 07774499728
If you require any further information about Meningitis Research Foundation please contact Addy Newton on 01454 280406, or at addyn@meningitis.org
Notes to Editor:
- Meningitis Research Foundation has a vision for a world free from meningitis and septicaemia. We have spent over £16.5 million on research projects into the prevention, detection and treatment of the diseases. We also spend around £1m annually supporting those affected, raising public awareness and educating health professionals – some of it available in 22 languages
- Our Freefone helpline – 080 8800 3344 – is operated by trained staff and available 365 days. It provides information to the general public and health professionals and can handle queries in 150 languages. We also have extensive information, research insights and case studies on our website www.meningitis.org
- Donations can be made online but people can also donate £5 from their mobile phone by texting GIFT00 £5 to 70070