“I love wearing my orange t-shirt and raising money for Meningitis Now!’
To see this sporty, fun-loving seven-year-old now you would never believe that, at only two weeks old, Myles was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
We heard from Myles’ mum Michelle in a story we featured in 2018. Michelle told us that she knew something was wrong with her tiny baby when his cry changed:
“At only two weeks old we hadn’t known Myles for long, but something told us his cry wasn’t ‘usual’. It sounded painful, a much higher pitch than it had been, and he had a temperature.”
Michelle called 111 and was advised to take Myles to their local hospital immediately. Luckily, she had recognised the symptoms very early and, after a lumbar puncture that confirmed meningitis, Myles was started on antibiotics which saved his life.
Turning seven
Myles is now turning seven and is thriving. After initial concerns around his speech development, Myles has come on leaps and bounds. Michelle is so proud of him, and he continues to amaze her daily:
“Myles is a gorgeous little boy both in nature and personality – he is so caring and considerate and we are so proud to call him ours.
“He is so sporty and competitive - once he realised he could do sport and raise money for charity at the same time he was keen to raise money for Meningitis Now.”
Mini but mighty fundraiser
Little Myles isn’t scared to take on a challenge. In 2021, aged just four, he completed the ‘30 miles in June’ challenge and raised an amazing £1000. This year, Myles was taken with the idea of running the Mini Great North Run and he raised £300. He’s a mini but mighty fundraiser!
Michelle says, “Myles said he is going to do the junior Great North Run next year. Now that he knows the route all bets are on to see if he’ll beat his dad!”
Michelle and the whole family regularly reflect on their meningitis experience:
“If Myles ever asks us questions about hospitals or whether he’s been in a hospital we’ve always been honest with him. We thank Meningitis Now from the bottom of our hearts for all the research you do which ultimately saved our baby boy.”
If you would like to follow in Myles’ footsteps and take part in the Great North Run 2024 you can register your interest.
