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Washington lady flies in for Bupa Great North Run 12 September 2005 Fresh from her holiday and due to land in Newcastle at 8.15am on the morning of the world’s biggest half marathon - Jackie Boyle, will rush straight through arrivals to the start line to compete in the 13.1mile race. The 44-year-old would not miss the Bupa Great North Run for anything. Jackie lost her 19-year-old son to meningitis in January last year and is running to raise money for Meningitis UK. So far she has managed to raise £14,000 and hopes to reach £21,000 by the time she crosses the finishing line. Jackie, who works in Sterile Services at Bupa Hospital Washington, says: “John was really fit and healthy, even now more than a year and a half on I still can’t quite believe it. I never thought I would lose my son at such an early age. “It happened so quickly, we had no warning at all. John came home after work as a chef complaining of a headache. His body was black all over so we immediately called an ambulance and he was rushed to hospital. He died six hours later.” Jackie wanted to ensure her son’s tragic death was not in vain, so set about raising money for Meningitis UK. Hopping off a plane after a holiday and going straight into the race will certainly be a challenge but Jackie’s training has involved a lot of swimming and also running while on holiday. She hopes everything will go according to plan even if she ends up walking. Jackie adds: “I have had huge support from all my family, friends and colleagues. I want to raise £21,000 by the 30 September, John would’ve been 21 that day so it is an important landmark for us all.” Nicola Fisher, Communications Officer for the charity says: “Meningitis UK relies solely on charitable contributions from our many friends and supporters across the UK like Jackie and her family and friends. Without their continued support, we would not be able to continue our vital work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jackie for all her support and wish her well for the Great North Run”. Jackie is married to James and has two other children, Gary (23) and Hannah (10). More information about Meningitis UK can be found at www.meningitisuk.org
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