Campaigning dad Paul kits out team

Paul Radcliffe and his son, Oliver, with the team sporting their new away kit

A MAN who pledged to raise awareness of an illness which almost claimed the life of his son is taking his message out to young footballers and their parents.

Paul Radcliffe, of Fold Green, Chadderton, has worked tirelessly to raise money for meningitis research after his son, Oliver, fell victim to the disease nine years ago when he was only 14 months old.

The 45-year-old father has since raised around £6,000 each year for research into the potentially fatal brain bug, and has now forked out £500 of his own money in a bid to make other parents aware of how quickly the condition can kill.

He has bought a smart new purple and white away kit — the colours of the Meningitis Research Foundation MRF) — for Chadderton Park Football Club’s under 11s team.

Each strip is emblazoned with the charity’s logo to help spread the message about the dangers of meningitis and Paul plans to join the team at away matches and hand out information leaflets to parents.

Oliver, who is now 10, very nearly lost his life when he was struck down.

Paul recalled the speed with which it hit: “Oliver got a rash, and 20 minutes later he was on a life support machine.”

The toddler spent 14 days in intensive care, and was lucky to make a full recovery.

Early diagnosis offers the best chance of recovery.

Paul explained: “When Oliver became ill we knew it was serious but we didn’t know it was meningitis.

“There must be millions of people who don’t know what symptoms to look for.

“We would have lost Oliver if we hadn’t got him to hospital so quickly, but others are less fortunate, and that’s why we need to raise awareness.”




Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, fever or vomiting, drowsiness, and a rash. Information is available from the MRF on 080-8800-3344.