Alan The Ambassador!

Unless you have been living in a cave at the back of the Hermitage, then you will surely have heard of Alan Glynn, the local Perth man who has spent the last four years tirelessly campaigning in order to raise awareness of the symptoms of meningitis. Alan and his wife Ruth sadly lost their baby girl, Alexis Rose, to meningitis in February 2011, compelling them to set up a Trust Fund in her name which to date has raised an incredible £117,000.

Today, Wednesday 19th August 2015, Alan has been honoured by the Meningitis Research Foundation, being named as only the second Scottish Ambassador for this leading charity.

I caught up with Alan in the Abbotsford Bar in Craigie, the pub where the fundraising started four years ago with a Sports Quiz which raised £470. He tells me repeatedly during our chat that although he may have become the public face of the Alexis Rose Trust, it has been a huge team of extraordinary people who have made the achievements possible.

That may be so, but never have witnessed one man, with such a singular agenda, make such a difference to one cause. His running career started after the trust was established and yet already he has completed six marathons; he has starred in a Full Monty, abseiled down the Forth Road Bridge and just a few weeks ago launched the inaugural Alexis Rose 10K Race at Moncrieff Hill.

Along with fundraising, Alan’s commitment to raising awareness has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. He has lobbied businesses for funds to print the symptoms onto any surface he can think of, and this year has been encouraging all of us to log our #MilesForMeningtis as we hit the gym, pool, running track or cycle route.  

“I had no idea it would grow into this when we first started it; I was determined to make a difference and I have been amazed at the number of people who have backed us and helped make that happen. Anyone doing this type of thing is only as good as the people around them, and we are lucky to have such a brilliant group of friends and supporters.

I’ve met so many great people, building up relationships and getting them involved in the charity. People have been touched by this disease – not just me and Ruth and our family, but lots of people.”

One of key messages that the Alexis Rose Trust carries, is that of awareness and Alan is passionate about ensuring everything they do, wherever possible, carries the message. His mantra on this is singular – “If you’re not aware, you can’t act. It’s that simple.”

As I mentioned earlier, Alan’s latest big plan is an annual 10K Race at Moncrieff Hill. The race has been set up to raise money for MENINGITIS RESEARCH FOUNDATION and year two is already in place; get your diaries out and mark in 17th of July 2016 at 11 o'clock in the morning! Alan is certain the stunning views around Perthshire and the undulating, challenging course will attract runners from all over and in true, Alexis Rose Trust style, has gone all out, looking for sponsors and offering an official chip-timed race. 

And so, as much as it is a huge honour for him, to all of us looking on, it is no surprise that Alan has been invited by Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) to become an Ambassador. MRF Ambassadors are specially-selected, trained and resourced members across the country, all with their own reasons for working together towards the Foundation’s vision of a world free from meningitis and septicaemia.

Ambassadors like Alan, help MRF take more opportunities to spread awareness, promote media campaigns and fundraise in local communities. The charity will provide Alan with dedicated personal support and resources, as well as connecting him with other ambassadors. This will allow him to further his volunteering efforts and bring others on board to get even more involved where they see a need locally.

Mary Millar, Scotland Manager at MRF had this to say about our local hero:

“We are so pleased to announce Alan Glynn our second Meningitis Research Foundation Ambassador for Scotland. Alan works practically full time raising awareness of meningitis in his local community and through social media. He also goes above and beyond organizing and taking part in events with his network of fundraisers: Team Alexis Rose. We could not be prouder that Alan has agreed to represent the charity.”

And we couldn’t be prouder that one of our own Perth People is making such a difference!

As Alan and I chat, in between him persuading his kids to eat their lunch, he reminds me why this huge honour is simply another step in a far bigger picture.

“I’d do it anyway, you know. This is my connection with my daughter and I’ll do it until the day I die. If we can help save one life with our campaign then I’ll have done my job and the people of Perth, who’ve supported us will have helped make it possible.”

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Right, dry your eyes (I’m bubbling writing this!) and pay attention! Alan is inviting you to get behind The Alexis Rose Trust and support them in any one of the following ways:

• Record your Miles for Meningitis – this costs nothing , has no sponsor sheet and is an easy way for all you runners, walkers, swimmers and cyclists to get involved and help rasie awareness! More Here.
• Sign up to run the Alexis Rose 10K Race 2016 here. 
• Donate – a few pence or a few pounds can help make a huge difference. Click Here. 

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Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is more serious than viral meningitis. The symptoms usually begin suddenly and get worse rapidly.

If you suspect bacterial meningitis, dial 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Babies and young children

Babies and young children under five years of age are most at risk of developing bacterial meningitis.

A baby or young child with meningitis may:

• have a high fever, with cold hands and feet
• vomit and refuse to feed
• feel agitated and not want to be picked up
• become drowsy, floppy and unresponsive
• grunt or breathe rapidly
• have an unusual high-pitched or moaning cry
• have pale, blotchy skin, and a red rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (see below)
• have a tense, bulging soft spot on their head (fontanelle)
• have a stiff neck and dislike bright lights 
• have convulsions or seizures

The above symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all.

Don't wait for a rash to develop. If your child is unwell and getting worse, seek medical help immediately.

In older children, teenagers and adults, the symptoms of meningitis can include:

• a fever, with cold hands and feet 
• vomiting
• drowsiness and difficulty waking up
• confusion and irritability
• severe muscle pain
• pale, blotchy skin, and a distinctive rash (although not everyone will have this)    
• a severe headache
• stiff neck
• sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• convulsion or seizures

Again, these symptoms can appear in any order, and not everyone will get all of them.

Don't wait for a rash to develop. If someone is unwell and has symptoms of meningitis, seek medical help immediately.

The Glass Test

If you press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin and the rash doesn't fade, it's a sign of meningococcal septicaemia.

A person with septicaemia may have a rash of tiny "pin pricks" that later develops into purple bruising.

A fever with a rash that doesn't fade under pressure is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical help.

Viral Meningitis

Most people with viral meningitis will have mild flu-like symptoms, such as:

• headaches
• fever (see above)
• generally not feeling very well

In more severe cases of viral meningitis, your symptoms may include:

• neck stiffness
• muscle or joint pain
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• sensitivity to light (photophobia) 

Unlike bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis doesn't usually lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning).

A blotchy red rash that doesn't fade or change colour when a glass is pressed against it is a possible symptom of bacterial meningitis 

Bacterial or Viral Meningitis?

It's not possible to tell the difference between bacterial and viral meningitis from the symptoms alone.

Clinical tests are needed to distinguish between the two types of meningitis. Therefore, every case of suspected meningitis should be treated as a medical emergency.