Mum of four Sharna Horswell raises funds for meningitis research
Little Mia keeps Sharna on track
Published: 3rd June, 2011
by PETER GRUNER
THE image that kept Sharna Horswell going during her seven-mile run for charity at the weekend was that of her pretty two-year-old daughter, who died four years ago.
Mother of four Sharna, who lives in Holloway, has raised thousands of pounds for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) since little Mia died from the illness in 2007.
Describing events of the day of the tragedy, Sharna said: “The whole family had been ill with flu two weeks before she died, so when Mia woke up one day with flu-like symptoms we all assumed that’s what it was.
“I tried to give her some milk but she was sick everywhere and when we put her in the bath she went grey and limp so we called an ambulance.
“We were taken by ambulance to hospital and it was only then that a very slight rash started to appear. The hospital did everything they could but she died within three hours.”
On Saturday, Sharna raised more money for research into the illness when she ran in the Bupa 10k charity event.
“MRF helped me when we needed them and helped me to explain to my family and friends about the disease,” Sharna added. “Not every child gets a rash in the beginning and if you don’t know what you’re looking for in the first place it’s so difficult to know what’s wrong with your child.
“All the money raised will help find out more about this disease and hopefully save children’s lives.”
Chris Head, chief executive at MRF, said: “We rely on voluntary donations to fund our vital work into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia, so every bit of support enables us to continue our work. We are extremely grateful to Sharna for her fantastic efforts to help raise funds for our research.”
If you would like information about taking part on behalf of MRF in Run to the Beat, London’s Music Half Marathon on September 25, call Genna Vizard on 01454 280414.
Meningitis Research Foundation is currently funding 26 research projects. The foundation has spent £16million on research since its inception in 1989.
The charity operates a freefone 24-hour helpline – 080 8800 3344 – providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.