Staff from Thornbury-based charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) are pulling on their running shoes to raise vital funds in the fight against meningitis and septicaemia.

Four members of the research and medical information team, Claire Wright, Laura Clark, Rachel Perrin and Gill Currie, and Nikki May from the fundraising team will be joining thousands of other runners raising funds for charity in the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday, September 11.

Medical information officer Claire Wright said: "Many of our supporters take part in running events across the UK to raise money and awareness for us so we thought we’d do our bit by taking part in one of the best local events in the South West - the Bristol Half Marathon.

"We estimate that there are around 3,300 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

"This means that every day nine people become ill with the diseases, with one in 10 people dying. A further two people will be left with life-altering after effects as severe as brain damage, deafness and multiple amputations."

MRF funds research to prevent meningitis and septicaemia and improve survival rates and outcomes. To sponsor the MRF team visit www.justgiving.com/teams/bristol