Lancashire mum takes on muddy run to highlight baby's meningitis battle

Kelli Wilkinson, 39, from Brinscall, near Chorley, is gearing up to take on one of the toughest and muddiest fitness challenges of her life – Tough Mudder.

In a bid to increase meningitis awareness, Kelli will aim to complete the gruelling 10-12 mile obstacle course that will test her strength, stamina and determination to its limit in a race against the clock.

“I’ve never done anything like this,” she said.

“It’s going to be tough, but I’m doing it with friends and set up a Just Giving page to raise money.”

Kelli’s baby boy, Kenny, was diagnosed with meningitis at just seven weeks old.

“We went to our own doctor who referred us to Royal Preston Hospital, where the nurse noticed little pin prick red marks on parts of his body,” she said.

“The doctor said they were treating him for meningitis.”

“My heart sunk, I thought my baby was going to die.

“It was a terrifying time, we were in an isolation room for the week, so I didn’t see my other three boys at all which was awful and my partner only saw Kenny once as had to stay home with our other children as they’re all under three.”

Kenny has made a rapid recovery from his illness.

Meningitis Now is organising the Tough Mudder challenge on August 6 at Skipton.

To sign up contact [email protected] on 01453 769024 or www.meningitisnow.org