Mum urges folkto take part inwalk in memoryof son Michael

Mary Clarke, of Ballycastle, tragically lost her 18-year-old son Michael to meningitis in summer 2003.

Michael, originally from Prehen, had just received the grades to attend the Queen’s University of Belfast when he fell ill. His family rushed him to the doctors and he was given Co-codamol and sent home.

But two days later his headaches got worse and he went back to the doctor, who sent him to hospital.

After around nine hours, he was diagnosed with meningitis, but by this stage, it was too late to save him.

Mary explained: “It’s unbelievable to think that a decade has passed since Michael passed away. We had to open his exam results and God love him, he got what he needed to train as a teacher.

“He was so excited about going to university and he would have made such an excellent teacher.

“What happened to him shows how meningitis can strike anyone, at any time and with such horrendous speed.

“We hope as many people as possible sign up for the walk as together we can fight the disease and wipe it out.”

The family hope to raise £10,000 by the 10th anniversary for Meningitis UK and Foyle Hospice.

Mary continued: “Meningitis is so difficult to diagnose – more research needs to be done to find vaccines for all forms to stop it in the first place.

“I appeal to everyone to lace up their walking shoes and join in as every penny raised will help the family and charity’s dream to wipe out the deadly disease. We don’t want anyone to go through what we have since losing our Michael.”

The 18-mile Big Stroll takes place on Saturday, June 22.

It starts in colourful Coleraine, takes in counties Londonderry and Antrim, before finishing at Michael’s memorial bench next to Ballycastle beach.

To sign up, donate or for more information, please call 0117 303 33 47 or visit www.meningitisuk.org/bigstroll.