Running for Meningitis (South Island Half Marathon, 2 Aug 2026)

From Survivor to Supporter: Running for Meningitis (South Island Half Marathon, 2 Aug 2026)

In 2019, at 18 years old and in my final year of high school, I contracted Meningitis B. Before getting sick, I was active and sporty - then my life changed overnight. The meningitis caused severe

swelling around my brain, and I underwent emergency brain surgery in a life-or-death situation. While my friends were enjoying their final year of school, I was focused on survival and recovery.

I’ve always dreamed of becoming a police officer, which meant learning to run again. At first, I couldn’t even run 500 metres - but through determination I kept going.

Now, after once fighting for my life in ICU, I’m running my third half marathon - this time using my journey to raise awareness and funds for meningitis vaccination campaigns, including at university open days. You can learn more about Phoebe's journey via the youtube link below.

The Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations. Run by people personally affected by meningitis, it uses funds to deliver awareness campaigns at university and other tertiary facilities open days - including flyers, signage, pens and other promotional materials - to encourage more teenagers to get vaccinated. Support also helps cover travel to universities such as the University of Otago.