Lilleshall Proud To Support Meningitis Fundraiser

Over Christmas, 18-year-old Aaron Mills was back home from university and had developed mild flu-like symptoms. On the morning of 30th December he had a headache, took paracetamol and went back to bed.

Half an hour later, Aaron's dad, Anthony, sensed something wasn't right.

"I went into his room and he was moaning; he was in distress and unresponsive" - Anthony said.

"Paramedics arrived quickly, treated him for meningitis straight way and rushed him to hospital. They tried to relieve pressure on the brain, but his brain has already swollen too much.

"Aaron died on 3rd January, but I think he had already passed days before."

Now, Aaron's family has set out on a fundraising mission for Meningitis Now to ensure Aaron's legacy lives on. The family have already raised over £30,000 and are now set to embark on their biggest challenge yet.

Close family-friend, Shaun McEntee will be taking on a 100-mile running challenge over five days, with a poignant journey from Aggborugh Stadium in Kidderminster to Anfield in Liverpool, visiting several universities on the way to raise awareness and encourage students to book in for a free vaccine.

"For our stay in Newport, we knew we had to stay at Lilleshall," Anthony said.

"We knew we had to stay there for its grandeur, for its facilities and for its iconic stature in UK Sport.

"Lilleshall have kindly offered Shaun accommodation and hospitality, so he can have some quality rest before setting off again the following morning to run 20 miles to Reaseheath College in Nantwich."

Shaun will be running to raise money for Meningitis Now and to raise awareness for meningitis in students. 

"Meningitis Now fund vital research into meningitis. They give valuable support to those affected by meningitis, as they have done for my family."

Here at Lilleshall, we're proud to be supporting Shaun's challenge in memory of Aaron, and we can't wait to welcome them to Lilleshall on the evening of 17th September.