Joshua Ryan Bates is our youngest son. He contracted bacterial meningitis and died 4 days before what would have been his 1^st Christmas in 2016. He was a perfectly healthy baby and would’ve been 8 months old that Christmas Day. Meningitis is a frightening and cruel disease. It can mask itself so it appears like a normal childhood illness making it difficult for parents and healthcare professionals to detect. Babies and children under 5 are the most "at risk" group because their immune systems are not fully developed. Over 50% of cases belong to this age group - babies and very young children. The speed at which meningitis can take hold and destroy lives is horrifying.

Meningitis Now work so hard and bravely to support families like ours whose lives have been devastated by this disease. They are committed to raising awareness of meningitis and put money into researching ways of earlier detection and vaccinations. Their hopeful vision is one where no-one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and that anyone affected by it gets the support they need to re-build their lives.

That’s why this year, on Monday 6^th May, Team Joshua have decided to take on the Milton Keynes Half Marathon and Superhero Fun Run.  Anne-Marie, Melanie and Carl are running the Half Marathon; whilst Phil, Ethan, George, Rebecca, Eva, Josie, Jonny, Hayley, Dexter and family all the way from Sweden are doing the fun run. We are all taking part to remember our beautiful little boy, Joshua and to raise money for this worthy cause.

Joshua would have been 3 this year on April 25^th. He was such a calm,
content, lovely little boy with his whole life ahead of him. He would’ve started nursery this September.  The trauma of losing Joshua will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Having to live without him is something we continue to deal with daily. We hope one day Meningitis Now's vision will become a reality and we want to help to support the vital, worthwhile work they do. Anything at all you can give is deeply appreciated. Thank you.

In loving memory of our beautiful son, Joshua Ryan Bates.

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