Inspirational boy who lost legs and fingertips to meningitis takes on 20k charity challenge

A courageous young boy who lost both his legs and fingertips to meningitis is on a mission to help defeat the disease.
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Robbie Jones was just 21 months old when he became ill with meningitis in July 2008.

His parents noticed he had a temperature but no other symptoms, so put him to bed. But at 4.30am the next morning Robbie woke up and his condition had gotten worse.

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The family called an ambulance and the paramedics began treating Robbie with antibiotics for suspecting meningitis as soon as they arrived.

Robbie Jones has come a long way since he became ill with meningitis at just 21 months old.Robbie Jones has come a long way since he became ill with meningitis at just 21 months old.
Robbie Jones has come a long way since he became ill with meningitis at just 21 months old.

He was taken to University Hospital of North Durham before being transferred to the Great North Children’s Hospital within the Royal Victoria Infirmary In Newcastle.

Robbie’s grandmother, Sandra, said: “If he hadn’t been the only child in the ward, I wouldn’t have known it was him.

"His limbs were going black as if they’d been dipped in hot oil. It was heart wrenching.”

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Robbie, from Bowburn, County Durham, suffered severe amputations after fighting for his life against meningitis.

Robbie and grandmother Sandra are taking on a 20k challenge to raise funds and awareness of the Meningitis Research Foundation.Robbie and grandmother Sandra are taking on a 20k challenge to raise funds and awareness of the Meningitis Research Foundation.
Robbie and grandmother Sandra are taking on a 20k challenge to raise funds and awareness of the Meningitis Research Foundation.

The courageous little boy endured the amputation of both legs and parts of the fingers from both of his hands.

Since then, Robbie has adapted to life using his wheelchair and prosthetics and is now on a mission to complete a 20k challenge to support the Meningitis Research Foundation.

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Starting on Monday, June 15, Robbie has until July 15 to cover the distance in his wheelchair as part of the At Home Superheroes challenge.

Robbie in hospital when he became ill with meningitis in July 2008.Robbie in hospital when he became ill with meningitis in July 2008.
Robbie in hospital when he became ill with meningitis in July 2008.
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Sandra has also been taking part by running part of the 20k distance whilst her husband John has been walking up to five miles a day.

She added: “People say ‘how do you get through these things’ – but you have to. Any grandparent will do anything for their grandchildren.”

Rob Dawson, director of communications, advocacy and support at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “Robbie and his family are truly inspirational.

“We’ve known them for years and it’s been a privilege to watch Robbie grow into such a determined young man despite extraordinary circumstances.”

Robbie lost both his legs and fingertips to meningitis but hasn't let it hold him back from taking on the challenge.Robbie lost both his legs and fingertips to meningitis but hasn't let it hold him back from taking on the challenge.
Robbie lost both his legs and fingertips to meningitis but hasn't let it hold him back from taking on the challenge.
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