Father runs race for charity

A FATHER took on the challenge of a half marathon when he decided to “give something back” after his son nearly died of meningitis.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th Mar 2013, 00:01 BST

Patrick Gilligan, 40, of Hull, ran the Bath Half Marathon for charity Meningitis UK as a tribute to the son whose recovery he calls a miracle.

The Bristol-based charity is close to Patrick’s heart after son Steven was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis at just 13 weeks old.

Doctors told Patrick and partner Katie Holstock to prepare for the worst but miraculously pulled through with no lasting side-effects.

Eight years on, Steven has been the inspiration behind his dad’s charity challenge.

Mr Gilligan said: “No matter how much training you do, nothing can really prepare you for your first half marathon.”