Marathon run for Meningitis

A WARRINGTON policeman completed the London Marathon to raise thousands of pounds to help stamp out the disease that killed his wife’s son.
Andy Blizard, 29, ran in tribute to his wife Kelly-Ann, whose 18-month-old son Daniel Cain died of meningitis in 1996.
Proceeds from Andy’s effort will go to Bristol-based charity Meningitis UK, which funds pioneering research to find vaccines to wipe out the disease.
He said: “I was on for a good time about half-way through and then my knee started playing up. It was a struggle from about 18 miles in but the crowd got me through.
“It was really hot and that also slowed me down. I was overjoyed to get to the finish line and felt really proud when I received my medal. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
“The atmosphere was amazing. The Meningitis UK team was there and so was my family which was great. It was a very emotional day for Kelly-Ann but she was over the moon I had helped raise money towards putting an end to meningitis.”
Andy completed the course in four hours 44 minutes, despite never having run more than three miles before he started his marathon training regime.
His preparations included taking part in the Wilmslow Half Marathon in March, and he and wife Kelly-Ann also held a charity night at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub in February.
Kelly-Ann, 34, who is also a police officer, said: “It’s amazing what Andy has done. He’s put a lot of hard work and time into it and it’s fantastic what he’s achieved.”
Once the sponsorship money from the London Marathon finishes rolling in, Andy hopes to have raised a total of £2,500.