“It was a terrifying ordeal, but thanks to the swift action of medical professionals, he survived.”
In October this year our supporter James will be embarking on what he believes will be a life-changing journey – climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
But he’s not taking on the climb just for personal achievement; it’s an opportunity to make a difference to the lives of those affected by meningitis.
James is aiming to raise £5,000 towards our vital ongoing work and has a packed programme of other events this year – some 17 more in total – bookending his Kilimanjaro challenge. These range from a series of 10k events, some already completed, to more ambitious half marathons and the Yorkshire and National Three Peaks, alongside a Tough Mudder.
Son had meningitis
James, who had to postpone his Kilimanjaro challenge from last year, is doing all this because his young son Ralph developed meningitis at 12 weeks old. Fortunately, Ralph went on to make a full recovery.
James told us: “I wanted to do something hard to raise as much money as possible, which is why I have chosen to fundraise for Meningitis Now by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
“It’s going to be a long climb up a very steep mountain, with a section at the end where you are scrambling up it.
“But I’ve made it even more of a challenge by taking on a couple of other events every month throughout the year.”
Highest mountain in Africa
Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain above sea level in the world, at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level.
James added: “My motivation for taking on this challenge stems from a deeply personal experience. When my son was only three months old, he contracted meningitis. It was a terrifying ordeal, but thanks to the swift action of medical professionals, he survived. Sadly, not everyone is as fortunate.
“I vividly remember the moment I noticed a small rash on Ralph’s body – no bigger than a 50p coin. Five hours later in A&E it had spread rapidly. An astute doctor performed a lumbar puncture and admitted him to a 14-day treatment in hospital.
Didn’t want to leave his side
“I didn’t want to leave his side and for the first 48 hours me and him weren't allowed out of the room.
“It was near Christmas time and after ten days he was allowed to come home, so we had Christmas Day at home. But we had to return to hospital every day so he could have his drip. We were allowed home when his observation checks were okay.
“He lost his hearing for about three months but that’s all come back now luckily. Apart from being a bit slower than other kids to talk and do certain things he's doing alright.
“It was an agonising time for my family, but we were grateful for every ounce of support we were given.”
Support James’s efforts
For a full list of the events James will be taking on and to support his incredible fundraising effort this year please visit his fundraising page. As he says on the page, together we can bring hope and support to individuals and families impacted by meningitis.
To find out more about fundraising for Meningitis Now you can have a look at events, opportunities and other ways you can get involved on our website, or get in touch with our Fundraising team on fundraising@meningitisnow.org.
