A DROITWICH woman who suffered from meningitis as a teenager is now giving back to the charity that supported her recovery, as she gears up to run the London Marathon.
Emily Newman will be braving the gruelling London event on April 26, to raise funds for Meningitis Now.
The charity is important to Emily as she contracted viral meningitis at the age of 16.
Emily wants to raise £2,500 for the charity, in its 40th year of fighting the devastation caused by meningitis.
She said: “This challenge is about far more than the miles and I’m incredibly proud to be raising funds and awareness for such an important cause.
“This charity is very close to my heart.
“My recovery was long, with several bumps in the road and I will be forever grateful to the charity for the support and guidance they provided my loved ones and me during that challenging time.
“As my road to recovery continued, Meningitis Now helped me feel less isolated and worked with me to come to terms with my new normal.
“Some years ago, when I struggled to even stand up straight, running a marathon would have felt impossible. Yet here I am, ready to take on this challenge.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support this wonderful charity that means so much to me.”
Emily has been on her running journey since last summer and took part in her first long race, the Worcester City Runs half-marathon, in September.
She said that had given her the confidence needed to intensify her training plan and push forward to complete the London marathon.
Emily has already raised more than £900 via a JustGiving page.
Visit www.justgiving.com/page/emily-newman-1?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL to donate.
