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Loving son completes run in memory of his beloved dad
A KIND son who witnessed his dad die from meningitis and his colleague’s newborn survive the dreaded disease was “delighted and ecstatic” to conquer the Great North Run in their honour.
Jeff Skinner, 55, of Rockbeare Hill, near Exeter, Devon, was distraught to see his dad George struck down by bacterial meningitis in September last year.
George,
of Edinburgh,
quickly became ill in the early hours of the morning and the family swiftly
dialled 999.
An ambulance rushed him to Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline, where doctors immediately suspected meningitis.
Tragically, George, 80, fell into a coma and fought for around a month in Intensive Care, but passed away on October 3, 2011.
Jeff said: “It was so devastating to see my dad die from the awful disease - I will always remember him.
“Now I will do my best to spread awareness of meningitis and how quickly it can take hold.”
Jeff has extra incentive to run after his friend’s two-week-old baby boy was rushed back to hospital to battle bacteria meningitis.
The youngster had to suffer the trauma of having a hole drilled in his skull to release the pressure, while antibiotics worked their magic.
The beautiful baby, now seven months, recovered and is leading a healthy life.
Jeff said: “I know how distressed my friend was and it was amazing to learn that her baby is now doing fine.
“It has given me another great reason to lace up my trainers for the run.”
The amateur runner was so determined to complete the 13.1-mile challenge on September 16 to honour them and finished in one-hour and 56mins.
He expects to raise more than £800, surpassing his £600 target.
Jeff, who aimed to beat
two hours, is working an open-ended contract in sunny Gibraltar, but returned just
hours before the race in colder Newcastle and Gateshead.
He said: “I was looking forward to the race, I was committed to finish and feel delighted to get such a good time for my dad and friend’s baby.
“I hope I made them proud.
“It was an incredible experience, an exciting day and hoped to spread awareness of meningitis and raise money for Meningitis UK.
“The atmosphere was so intoxicating I was on a high the whole way round, so didn't notice how tired I was until after the finish.
“I ran up to 11 miles a time during training and it definitely helped me finish without too many aches and pains.”
Meningitis UK founder, Steve Dayman, who launched the charity after losing his 14-month-old son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in 1982, said: “What happened to George is extremely tragic and shows how meningitis can strike anyone at any time and quickly.
“It is touching to hear that Jeff’s colleague’s baby is doing well.
“We thank Jeff for taking on the mammoth half-marathon for us and his devotion is touching.
“Every penny raised will fund vital research to find a vaccine to wipe out the terrible disease.”
To make donations to support Jeff’s run, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Jeff-Skinner.
For more information on Meningitis UK call 0117 947 6320 or visit www.meningitisuk.org.
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