A woman is set to complete this year’s London Marathon to say thank you to a charity on behalf of her son for surviving a life-threatening illness.

Carly Minnis, from Epping, rushed her then 20-month-old son George to hospital back in 2017 after noticing symptoms.

The toddler was diagnosed with meningitis and septicaemia and went on to suffer organ failure.

Thankfully, staff at The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, managed to save George who went on to make a good recovery.

Ms Minnis, who will be running for charity Meningitis Now, said: “After George caught meningitis, I promised I would try to help raise money for this great charity, which is close to my heart.

“Although to run 26 miles will be a huge challenge to me I am determined to do it and will be thinking of our gorgeous George the whole way round to get me through.”

Meningitis Now is aiming for a future where no lives in the UK are lost to meningitis, offering everyone support to those affected.

The charity funds research into vaccines and prevention, raising awareness and how to spot early signs of the disease.

The 33-year-old mother of three added: “As George’s strain of meningitis was rare it was hard to get advice on what to do next, Meningitis Now offered practical advice and support when we were at our lowest.

“We count our blessings every day for our gorgeous George but many people aren’t as lucky as us.

Kirsty Owen-Hayward, events fundraiser at Meningitis Now, said: “Thank you so much to Carly for supporting our work in this way. Seeing their child suffer is something no parent should have to go through and with your support we can fight back against this disease.

The London Marathon is Sunday, April 28, to make a donation to Ms Minnis visit https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/DaKDCJynnSlGjy0izz9ep