A WOTTON-under-Edge electrician electrician who was struck down by meningitis is now raising funds to fight the disease.

Adam Eldridge, 36, will be taking part in his third Great North Run – one of the world’s largest half marathons – on Sunday, September 8 for Gloucestershire-based charity Meningitis Now, following his own experience with the disease as a teenager.

“I had meningitis when I was 18,” Adam said.

“I just started feeling very strange at work one day and wanted to go home.

"I then slept straight for hours, which wasn’t like me.

“Fortunately for me my parents knew something wasn’t quite right and took me to be seen.

"I was misdiagnosed a couple of times before it was picked up, but luckily I had a less aggressive strain and I made a full recovery after spending two weeks in hospital.

"But I know others aren’t so lucky and the money I raise will go towards helping those less fortunate.”

Adam will be running with his two older brothers, Stuart and Paul, and good friend, Nick Bishop, who is running in memory of another close friend, Michael Rodman.

This will be Adam’s third Great North Run and 14th half marathon overall since running his first Great North Run in 2017.

“It’s actually quite a random story as to how I got into running seriously,” Adam said.

“I came across a post on Facebook via Prostate Cancer offering places in the Great North Run.

"Having seen it on television many times over the years, and knowing I’d be raising money for a good cause, I signed up there and then.

“I was being a bit optimistic as I had only ever run four or five miles in one go at the most.

“It dawned on me the next morning what I’d got myself into. I got into some decent training though and haven’t looked back since.”

To support Adam’s efforts visit his funding page at: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AdamEldridge

Michaela Ifill, events fundraiser at Meningitis Now, said: “What a fantastic way to fight back against meningitis and we wish Adam all the best for the Great North Run.

“As a charity that receives no Government funding we rely on the energy, initiative and enthusiasm of our supporters to continue our vital work.

“For the many people who have been and continue to be affected by meningitis and for those who will sadly be affected in the future, Meningitis Now offers a lifeline.

"Support like this ensures that this lifeline can continue.”

Meningitis Now is working towards a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need.

It does this by funding research into vaccines and prevention, raising awareness so people know what to look for and what action to take if they suspect meningitis and rebuilding futures by providing dedicated support to people living with the impact of the disease.

Find out more and donate at: MeningitisNow.org

The Great North Run is one of the biggest half marathons in the world. Around 57,000 runners take on the epic 13.1 miles each year, including world-class athletes such as Mo Farah. It follows a spectacular course from the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne to the coast at South Shields.