John’s marathon mission to beat “merciless” meningitis
14.04.11
SUNDAY'S London Marathon will be a poignant occasion for a Bristol dad as he aims to complete the gruelling 26 mile course in memory of his son.
John Bresnahan will be pounding the streets of the capital to raise over £3,000, with thoughts of his son Ryan spurring him on.
The 16-year-old Clifton College pupil's sudden death from meningitis in March last year has prompted a massive fundraising drive in his memory.
His parents John and Michelle have joined forces with Bristol-based Meningitis UK to put a halt to the devastating disease which took Ryan's life in less than an hour.
Over £110,000 has now been raised through the 'a LIFE for a CURE' tribute fund.
John has so far raised over £3,000 through his marathon efforts and has been running over 20 miles in training for the big day.
John, who lives in Leigh Woods with wife Michelle and 14-year-old daughter Charlotte, said: "I'm very much looking forward to the actual day now because I've put so much time into the training, which has been relentless.
"To be there and be part of such a great day will be quite an inspirational experience. I know Ryan will be there with me, having a laugh with his usual banter and telling me to man-up when I sense the going is extra tough.
"Thinking about Ryan and what happened has occupied many of the passing miles and still nothing makes any sense.
"Finding a vaccine for the meningitis B strain which took Ryan's life represents unfinished business for me, which is why we're doing our upmost to help find this elusive breakthrough to ensure we can prevent this from happening to other people."
Ryan was a successful sportsman, in all the first teams for waterpolo, hockey, cricket, rugby at Clifton College. He had been selected for England Futures hockey and was just one game away from playing for England.
His hockey potential was recognised by the recent dedication of the new international standard hockey pitch at the college's Abbots Leigh sports complex.
Now his family and friends hope their fundraising efforts will mark the next chapter in Ryan's life and help spare thousands from falling ill with meningitis in the future.
Ryan died from the group B strain of meningococcal septicaemia, which occurs when meningococcal bacteria enter the blood strain and multiply uncontrollably, poisoning the blood and completely overwhelming the immune system damaging the blood vessels, tissues and organs.
There are vaccines for Meningitis C, Hib and pneumococcal meningitis but there is still no protection from Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK.
Those most at risk are children under the age of five, those aged between 16 and 24, and people over 65.
All the money raised through 'a LIFE for a CURE' will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against Meningitis B.
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "John's running and fundraising efforts are really remarkable. To run over 26 miles is no mean feat and we wish him every success for the London Marathon.
"For over £110,000 to be raised in just a year is phenomenal and testament to how popular Ryan was.
"What happened sadly illustrates the speed at which meningitis can strike, with very few symptoms to distinguish the disease from more common illnesses.
"Every penny raised in his memory will go towards our ultimate goal to spare people the heartache of losing a loved one to meningitis."
To find out more about the 'a LIFE for a CURE' campaign, visit www.ryanbresnahan.org or visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JohnBresnahan to sponsor John in the marathon.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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