Norwich teen Alastair Barrows cycles 310 miles for meningitis charity

A sixth former has cycled over 300 miles in memory of his father, who tragically died of meningitis when he was only two years old. Photo: MRF (Image: Archant)

Alastair Barrows, 17, cycled 310 miles in 20 hours - without stopping - to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

The teenager, who attends City of Norwich School, began the epic challenge on Saturday, July 8.

Setting off from Hethersett social club at 8am, Alastair cycled to London, then onto Dunwich, and finally arrived back at Hethersett social club the following morning.

Alastair's dad, Andrew Barrows, was taken ill with pneumococcal meningitis on Christmas Day in 2002 and passed away two days later, aged only 47.

Alastair said: 'The last few miles were definitely the hardest, but the adrenaline kept me going.

'My goal is to raise money for this amazing charity to stop other families going through what myself and my family have gone through.'

He added: 'I have already raised thousands for MRF but I want to do more to prevent this awful disease.

'I am hoping this will be my biggest and best fundraiser yet and my target is to raise £5,000.

'I appreciate any donations from the local community.'

Rob Dawson, head of support at MRF said: 'We're really grateful to Alastair for taking on this huge challenge. Babies, toddlers and young adults are most at risk of meningitis and septicaemia, however these diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time.

'The funds Alastair is working so hard to raise will be used to support MRF's lifesaving research into the prevention, detection and early treatment of meningitis.

'It will also allow us to continue raising awareness of the disease and support those affected.'

Donations can be made to Alastair's fundraising page here.