Son’s brush with meningitis spurs parents on their marathon mission
11.04.11
THE LONDON Marathon will take on an extra special meaning for St Alban's parents as they stride out to help find a vaccine for meningitis - the deadly disease which left their son fighting for his life.
Mike and Rhian Burton will be striding out in the capital on Sunday to raise money for Meningitis UK after their son James fell dangerously ill when he was nine-months-old.
Thankfully he made a full recovery and is now fit and healthy 14-year-old, studying at Verulam School.
The frightening experience has spurred Mike, Rhian and close friend Ann Griffin to attempt the gruelling 26.2 mile challenge in London
Rhian, 46, remembers how their trauma began whilst on holiday in Spain.
She said: "James was a bit grouchy and not himself. When we brought him home he was quite non-responsive but we thought that he was just tired from the travelling.
"But my husband Mike could sense something more serious was wrong and we called the doctor out."
The doctor gave James some antibiotics but was unable to pinpoint what was wrong.
After 24 hours he was no better, still acting very vacant and non-responsive so Rhian and Mike called a second doctor, who took one look at James and told the family to pack their bags.
They rushed to Hemel Hospital, where the medical team sped into action.
Rhian, who works as a nurse for Bupa, added: "A doctor asked us whether James had a birthmark on his neck because she had spotted a small red mark.
"It turns out this was the start of a rash caused by septicaemia. It's amazing that she spotted it.
"They did a lumber puncture and started treating him straightaway. At one point they thought they might need to transfer him to St Mary's Hospital in London for specialist treatment but thankfully his condition started to improve."
James spent a week in hospital and has gone on to make a full recovery, much to his parents' huge relief.
Thoughts of helping to find a vaccine which would spare parents in the future from a similar nightmare ordeal will spur them on when they run on Sunday.
James was diagnosed with the meningitis B strain of the disease, which is the most common in this country.
Money raised from Peter's marathon efforts will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign to find a vaccine to protect against all forms of the disease.
Rhian added: "Looking at James now you would never guess how ill he was. He's taller than me with long curly hair. He's into rugby and heavy metal – a world away from that poorly baby lying in hospital.
"It sends shivers down my spine thinking of what could have happened had we not trusted our instincts and been persistent with the doctors.
"We decided to run for Meningitis UK to help raise money for vaccine research in the hope that lives will be safeguarded in the future.
"Training's going well and all three of us are looking forward to the actual day. It will certainly be a day to remember."
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "Peter's running and fundraising efforts are really remarkable. We're very thankful to him, not just for taking part in the marathon but also for sharing Suzanne's story and helping to raise awareness of this devastating disease.
"Fortunately Suzanne pulled through but her experience 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 it's so important to find a vaccine for all forms of meningitis."
To sponsor Rhian, Mike and Ann, visit www.justgiving.com/Ann-Griffin0 or for further information on meningitis contact Meningitis UK on 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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