Do you have a place in this year’s Great North Run (Sunday, September 18) but haven’t decided which charity to support?

Or perhaps you’ve missed out on a ballot place but still want the opportunity to take part and make a difference to the lives of others?

If so, why not run for Meningitis Research Foundation and support our continuing fight against meningitis and septicaemia?

Meningitis and septicaemia affect more than 3,300 people every year in the UK. This means that every day nine people become ill with the diseases. With one-in-ten people dying, a death will occur almost every day. A further two people will be left with life-altering after-effects as severe as brain damage, deafness and multiple amputations. These cruel diseases can affect anyone, of any age, but babies and young children are most at risk.

By running for Meningitis Research Foundation you can make a huge difference to our vital work of funding medical research, promoting education and awareness, and supporting individuals and families affected by these devastating diseases.

If you would like to run for Meningitis Research Foundation, then please phone me on 01454 281814 or email nikkim@meningitis.org We’ll then send you a running vest and full information pack with everything you need to start training and fundraising.

Thank you, Nikki May, Meningitis Research Foundation, Midland Way, Thornbury, Gloucestershire