A MALVERN Town footballer took on the gruelling challenge of a half marathon over the weekend in honour of his girlfriend’s sister who died six years ago from a rare form of meningitis at just 16 years old.
Paul Edwards ran in the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday (October 2) in memory of Debbie Humphries’ younger sister Tiffany who passed away in 2010 following a short battle with acute streptococcal bacterial meningitis – a fatal form of the disease.
The 30-year-old has raised £410 of his £1,000 target so far for charity Meningitis Now which aims to save lives and rebuild the futures of those suffering with the disease as well as funding research, raising awareness and providing support.
Just 17 days after New Year’s Eve in 2009, Tiffany started experiencing headaches and was diagnosed with migraines by her doctor who prescribed her tablets to reduce the pain before she was then diagnosed with a kidney infection on January 22.
Tiffany was then rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital the following morning where she was placed on a life support machine. Her family were told she had a fatal form of meningitis which meant she would never be able to walk, talk or breath for herself again.
It was at that point Tiffany’s family said their final goodbyes by her bedside before the life support machine was switched off.
Paul, who had not come across the disease before he met Debbie, 28, said it was very emotional hearing Tiffany’s story for the first time and told the Observer he was determined to do a marathon in her memory.
He said: “Running a marathon has always been something I wanted to do but after hearing about the Cardiff Half Marathon from my boss’ wife I thought to myself I’ll sign up and do it now before I put it off.
“The amount of support we have received has been brilliant and there’s still a few bits and pieces here and there left to be donated.
“Debbie has been working tirelessly to drum up as much funds as possible to support Meningitis Now.
“Meningitis is more serious than I first thought and it was very emotional to hear Tiffany’s story for the first time.”
In May 2008, Tiffany gave birth to her daughter Lexi who was only 20 months old when her mother passed away.
Lexi, now eight, had been helping Paul and Debbie with their fund-raising by collecting money from the neighbours.
Speaking about Lexi on her JustGiving page, Debbie added: “We may have been unfortunate to have lost Tiff so suddenly at such a young age and nothing will ever replace our baby sister but we are so thankful and grateful to have this little angel, this piece of Tiff in our life.
“She may be left without a mum but she is never left without love and the memory of her mum and how much she loved her.”
To donate to Paul’s JustGiving page, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/PEdwards8
