Daniel Donovan, 35, of Park Drive, Deganwy, will complete the 10K Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 18 and the 13 mile Great North Run on Sunday, October 5 in aid of national charity, the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Daniel, who decided to support the cause after his son, Matthew, 5, was diagnosed with the illness back in March 2004 said: "He has made a full recovery now. He is a happy and healthy boy. He was only a baby at the time. My wife found a rash and we called the ambulance. He was limp and lifeless, but they said he would be fine and would be home in the morning and told me to wait at home. When they arrived at the hospital the staff started to panic and realised it was serious. I wanted to raise awareness because if an ambulance crew are not aware of the symptoms it is worrying."

Thankfully Matthew, who attends Ysgol Deganwy, leads a normal life and only has problems with food allergies, which according to Daniel may have developed as a direct result of the illness.

Daniel will be supported by wife Juliette, daughter Charlotte and Matthew. He said: "The Great Manchester run will be my first competitive run and I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere on the day. I've been training three times a week and hopefully the crowds will spur me on to finish in 65 to 85 minutes."

Meningitis and septicaemia - the blood poisoning form of the disease - affect 3,000 people every year in the UK resulting in some 230 deaths and leaving survivors with after-effects as severe as brain damage, deafness and amputations.

Daniel now hopes to raise a total of £1000 for the research fund. To sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/dannydonovansgmr08 for the Great Manchester Run or www.justgiving.com/dannydonovan for the Great North run.