David and Alex Murray, from Renfrewshire, lost their baby son Calvin to meningitis when he was just seven months old. David’s close friends Daniel and Calum wanted to honour Calvin’s memory by running the London Marathon
"I know how much hard work, dedication and sacrifice they put in to training and fundraising and we will be forever grateful.”
David and Alex were living in Canada, going on family holidays, and spending time with their eldest son and new-born baby when tragedy struck.
David says, “We had an incredible seven and a half months with our beautiful boy until meningitis abruptly and devastatingly took him away from us. He passed away within four days of contracting bacterial meningitis.
“Calvin instantly made a mark on the family. He was forever smiling and cheering everyone up. Our hearts will never truly be full again.
The family have been putting their grief into action by fundraising in Calvin’s memory, marking his first birthday with a fundraising page, where family and friends generously donated in his memory.
David’s friends from university, Daniel and Calum, were inspired to make their own special contribution and they signed up to run the London Marathon for Meningitis Now.
Calum had visited David and the family in Canada twice, meeting Calvin for the first, and sadly, the last time. Daniel never had the opportunity to meet Calvin but having been witness to the devastating impact of his death, he also chose to fundraise to support families like David and Alex’s.
David says, “We never thought something so tragic and out of the blue would happen to any of us let alone our youngest child. Alex and I still think about it every day and wonder if we could have done something different to catch it sooner.
“Our eldest son, who was only two at the time of his brother passing away still talks about him, says he wants him to come back and gets upset.
“Alex and I live in fear of this happening again to any current or future children, as it is truly devastating.
“It is good to know that Meningitis Now are out there trying to make a difference in everyone's lives who are affected by Meningitis. It gives me strength knowing if I needed more support, they are there to help.”
Our London Marathon Lead, Kat Hollywell, says “Calum and Daniel have shown incredible support for David and Alex over the last few months, and it’s been a pleasure having them as part of the team. Calvin’s story is devastating, and we are so grateful to David and Alex for sharing their experience.
“Meningitis Now is here for those affected by this terrible disease, whether that’s through supporting your fundraising in memory of a loved one or providing support through our helpline.
“London Marathon is an opportunity to recognise so many incredible fundraisers and I only hope that the families’ London Marathon experience has provided a place for them to celebrate Calvin’s life.”
If you’ve been inspired by Calum and Daniel’s London Marathon experience, apply to join the team today
