9:51am Friday 18th May 2007
By Sarah Mawhinney
A MUM-OF-THREE is saddling up and cycling from London to Paris in memory of her son, who died of meningitis.
Bernie Mackie, of Marlborough Avenue, is gearing up for the 300km ride at the beginning of June to raise cash for The Meningitis Trust.
Her son, Matthew, died of meningococcal septicaemia in August 2003, aged just 18 months.
Bernie said: "Meningitis is a vicious and life-threatening illness which can strike anyone at any time. It can kill in a matter of hours - as was the case with Matthew - who died just 12 hours after developing a temperature, the first symptom of the disease in his case.
"By going on this long distance cycle challenge, I shall be helping to raise vital funds in an effort to beat it. Although it will be hard work, I am looking forward to setting off from London as part of a team of 30 cyclists all helping to fight meningitis."
Bernie, who has three boys - Patrick, aged seven, Dominic, three and Gregory, two, said she wanted to raise awareness of the disease, which can strike very quickly.
The mum added that she would encourage everyone, but especially other parents of young children, to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and to seek treatment urgently if they suspect their child may have the disease.
Meningitis is a life threatening disease that can kill within hours or leave sufferers with severe after-effects, including brain damage, deafness and where septicaemia (blood poisoning) has occurred, even loss of limbs.
The Meningitis Trust provides practical and emotional support for life, helping to rebuild lives that have been shattered by meningitis. Already Bernie has raised £2,500, but her target is to exceed £3,000. To sponsor her call 07739 430593 or go to www.justgiving.com/BernadetteMackie
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