Gareth to undertake marathons fundraising for charity

Gareth to undertake marathons fundraising for charity

18 January 2017

A BALLYNAHINCH man who was struck down with meningitis two years ago will run several marathons this year for a charity fighting against the deadly disease.

Gareth Armstrong was just 31 when he became very ill with viral meningitis. Never expecting to suffer from the disease, which more typically affects children and young adults, Gareth says he was gravely ill by the time he sought medical attention.

Although he had classic symptoms, including a sore neck and sickness, he presumed he had a stomach bug or food poisoning because of his age and general good health.

It was only when he lost his vision that he attended his local GP practice where he was diagnosed within seconds of speaking to his doctor.

With no memory of the 24 hours that followed, Gareth said he was given emergency antibiotics by his doctor before being rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he stayed for the next 10 days.

With a full two year recovery period to follow, Gareth said he struggled with chronic fatigue, headaches and back ache due to a lumbar puncture carried out to confirm the diagnosis.

However, he was able to slowly return to exercise a year ago and this year will undertake four full marathons and seven half marathons to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Aiming to raise at least £1,500 through the London Marathon alone, he is urging people to sponsor his efforts, which will include vintage tea parties at The Market House in Ballynahinch on Thursday, March 23, from 10am until 1pm, and in Kinallen Hall, Skeagh Road, Dromara, on Saturday, March 4.

“I don’t take life for granted anymore,” he said.

“I have been told that I could have had permanent damage or a permanent loss of vision if I had not got help when I did and that I could have lost limbs, or even my life.

“The treatment I received in hospital was because of the good work the Meningitis Research Foundation carries out and that is why I am doing these marathons to raise money for it.”

A father of one, Gareth said he knew meningitis could affect babies and young children but never considered he had it himself, even though he displayed classic symptoms.

“I am now targeting schools with leaflets explaining what to look out for,” he said.

“I am also going to speak in local school assemblies just to tell school groups to be aware of meningitis and septicaemia.”

Training regularly for his forthcoming marathons, and almost 50 miles already under his belt this week, Gareth said he is delighted to be able to run again, although he realises he will never be as fast as he was before meningitis struck.

“I will never be as physically fit as I might have been, but I have to accept the fitness I now have,” he said.

To follow Gareth’s progress online access his Facebook page GarethLondonMarathonTeamMRF or to sponsor him from a mobile please text UWMX63 £5 or £10 to 70070 or via his just giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Gareth-Armstrong6