"I really want to raise awareness and funds for the research that can help save lives like mine"
To give thanks for his recovery from meningitis our supporter Jack is taking on a walking challenge.
With a close group of friends and accompanied for at least some of the way by his dog Buzz (see photo) he’s planning on completing the Lyke Wake Walk – a 42 mile walk across the North Yorkshire Moors from Osmotherley to Ravenscar. The aim is to complete the walk in 24 hours
His challenge will take place on Saturday 2 September and Jack is hoping to raise £2,000 towards our lifesaving and life-changing work. He’s well on the way to hitting his target but would be grateful for any additional donations.
Admitted to hospital
Jack, aged 27, a customer support agent with Sportsbreaks.com, who offer sports travel experiences, for fans by fans, fell ill in March with bacterial meningitis. He was admitted into Manchester Royal Infirmary where he spent 11 nights fighting off the disease before being released, three in the intensive care unit.
Jack, from Helmsley in Yorkshire told us: “I consider myself incredibly fortunate.
“I still suffer from the after-effects of meningitis that I have had to get used to, and I am still understanding what happened to me.
“But leaving the hospital on my own two feet and still having so much normality in my life, compared to what other people who have suffered from this illness and what families have had to go through, has made me really want to raise awareness and funds for the research that can help save lives like mine.
“This honestly means more to me than some people probably think. Speaking to Meningitis Now and the doctors during my time in the hospital and after, I know how both viral and bacterial meningitis can change lives forever, both for the individual affected and their family and friends.
Help everyone affected
“By raising awareness and funds for research we can help everyone affected by it.”
Jack is also inviting others to join him along the way.
He added: ‘I’m so grateful to anyone who can help support me along the way. If you’d like to join us at any point during the walk, please drop me a message, we’d love to have you with us!”
He’s also organising a couple of raffles for prizes given to him by his employer, Sportsbreaks. These will include tickets to a football, rugby or a cricket match later in the year. All the proceeds will contribute to his overall fundraising total.
You can support Jack’s fundraising through his JustGiving page.
Laura Williams, our Senior Corporate Fundraiser, said: “Thanks for your support Jack which will help towards our ongoing work fighting back against meningitis and supporting those who have been affected by it, and thank you too for the backing of your employers at Sportsbreaks.
“We’d like to wish you and your friends the best of luck for your challenge and keep our fingers crossed that the weather conditions are kind to you. We look forward to seeing the video once you’ve completed your walk.”
