Son prepares to walk 62 miles to raise funds for Meningitis UK in memory of father
A DEVOTED son, whose dad died within two months of falling ill, will clock up the miles on foot in his memory.
Chris Staines, of Tetney Lane, Holton-le-Clay, is preparing to walk 62 miles to help raise funds for Meningitis UK.
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FOR DAD: Chris Staines, 21, of Holton-le-Clay, is undertaking a 62-mile walk in memory of his late father Ian, above, who died from meningitis in 2010. Picture: Abby Ruston
In June 2010, his dad Ian Staines, 56, died from bacterial meningitis at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.
For the 21-year-old it was the fast deterioration of his dad's health which was the most shocking thing to have to deal with in the wake of his death.
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In April 2010, Chris returned home from Warwick University to spend the Easter holidays with his family. He recalls his dad mentioning a pain in his neck and visiting the doctor but nothing more was made of it.
He even remembers how fit his dad looked on the day he travelled back to University after playing a round of golf with him.
However, a couple of days later he received the news no child wants to hear – his mum rang to say Ian was in hospital on a drip.
"I could not believe it. He seemed fine only a few days before," Chris said.
"I was about to start my exams but ended up missing two to be by my dad's side.
"He was in hospital for 10 weeks altogether and it was awful to see how the disease was affecting him.
"Towards the end of his life he could not see, walk, talk or move any part of his body.
"I was back home for around four weeks and then returned to university to sit the rest of my exams.
"Obviously my head was all over the place but thankfully I was able to re-sit and take the exams I missed later in the year."
Chris would say goodbye to his dad every time he left the hospital as no one knew when he would pass away.
He added: "My dad's heart stopped beating in front of me one day and I had to move out the way for nurses to come in.
"Two years have now passed but he is never forgotten."
Now in memory of Ian, Chris is taking on the Thames Path Challenge, walking from Putney Bridge, London, to Henley-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire.
He will set off on the journey on Saturday, September 29, and hopes to complete it within 24 hours.
And the endurance walker is no stranger to long distances, as in 2008 Chris completed 180 miles to raise money for breast cancer after his mum – now in remission – was diagnosed with the disease.
Chris said: "Over the past few weeks I have done a 20 and 30-mile walk to help me prepare.
"I am eager to take on the challenge and I know having my dad in mind will spur me on.
"I do not have a target in mind to raise. I am just hoping to get as much money as possible.
"I know my dad would be proud of me for doing this, I miss him every day."
Anyone wanting to sponsor Chris can visit www.justgiving.com/Chris-staines1
Comments
by gypaul
Friday, September 21 2012, 9:20AM
“Good Luck Chris!! Two of the girls from Pad Lettings, Hainton Ave, Grimsby, are also doing the challenge to raise money for The Stroke Association. Hope to see you there. What's your start time?”