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Futureheads’ star on marathon mission for Meningitis UK

14.04.10 

THE FUTUREHEADS' bassist David Craig will be swapping his guitar for running trainers when he takes part in the London Marathon later this month.

David, known as Jaff, has never done any running before but decided to put his best foot forward for a cause close to his heart.

The 27-year-old will be running for Meningitis UK in memory of school friend Glenn Robinson who died from the disease in 1997, aged 16.

The 26.2 mile event comes just the day before Sunderland-based The Futureheads embark on a national tour and release their latest album The Chaos.

Jaff, who was two years below Glenn at school and used to play cricket with him, says his death had a big affect on everyone.

He said: "I was playing cricket with Glenn on the Tuesday night and he seemed absolutely fine. Then the next day we heard that he was in hospital.

"He had gone to the doctors but was sent home and died soon afterwards. It really affected the whole school.

"I chose to run for Meningitis UK because of its vaccine research work. Because meningitis can kill so quickly, I really feel that a vaccine is the best way to stop it in its tracks and save people in the future."

Glenn died from meningococcal septicaemia and all the money raised from Jaff's marathon efforts will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine for the meningococcal group B strain.

Jaff added: "I aim to do the marathon in about four and a half hours and training is back in full flow after I injured my knee just before Christmas. It's going to be a hard slog but worth it.

"The training's gone well but I'm not enjoying eating healthily and not drinking. Our single was released this week so it's been a really busy time. I've certainly thrown myself into the deep end!"

He will be running as part of Meningitis UK's Meningitis Musketeers team with the motto ‘All 4 One and One 4 All' - to highlight the devastating fact that meningitis can kill in under 4 hours and the importance of the charity's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.

Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "Jaff's running and fundraising efforts are really remarkable. We're really chuffed to have such a high profile musician as part of our Meningitis Musketeers team.

"We're very thankful to him, not just for taking part in the marathon but also for sharing Glenn's story and helping to raise awareness of this devastating disease.

"His family's loss highlights what a devastating disease meningitis is and how quickly it can take hold.

"Six families a week lose a loved one to meningitis which is why our vaccine research work is so important.

To sponsor Jaff, visit www.justgiving.com/Jaff or for further information on meningitis contact Meningitis UK on 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org.