Man takes on 100-mile stadium challenge for friend

A man is preparing to run more than 100 miles (161km) between two football stadiums in memory of an 18-year-old student who died earlier this year from meningitis B (MenB).

Aaron Mills died in January while visiting his family in Kidderminster during the Christmas break from his studies at Liverpool John Moores University.

Next month, family friend Shaun McEntee will set off from Aggborough - the home of Kidderminster Harriers FC - arriving five days later at Liverpool FC's Anfield, reflecting Aaron's love of football.

"He was the biggest Liverpool fan, and he had a season ticket at Harriers," said McEntee. " So it seems really poignant."

Although babies have routinely been vaccinated against MenB for more than a decade, Aaron's age group missed out.

Following Aaron's death, his parents Anthony and Deniz campaigned for a catch-up vaccine - and in June, the government announced a one-off programme for one million young people.

During his journey, McEntee will be stopping at the University of Wolverhampton, Harper Adams University in Shropshire, Reaseheath College & University Centre in Nantwich, and the University of Chester to raise awareness.

"It's easy [at that age] to think you're invincible and think nothing can get you," he said.

"But it can, and I've seen first-hand that it can.

"So we wanted to put ourselves in the most prominent places, where we can reach as many people as possible."

McEntee said Aaron's death had ignited a "passion" in him that no other family should have go through what Aaron's had.

"He was capable, kind - the gentlest, warmest person you could meet," he said. "And he'd want nobody else to suffer the same fate."

He is aiming to raise £2,000 for the charity Meningitis Now.

"Ultimately, every step is in Aaron's name," said McEntee. "It's to raise awareness, to raise funds, all of that. But it's all got to be for Aaron.

"It's almost as if it's him raising the awareness, and I think that's poignant."

But McEntee's challenge is also a celebration of Aaron and his legacy.

"The Mills family campaigned so hard," he explained. "Aaron's story was so influential in the government's decision to roll out [the vaccine].

"So we should be celebrating that, and celebrating Aaron."

McEntee - who admits he has "absolutely no experience" in long-distance running - added he was under no illusions about the scale of the challenge, which will see him run nearly a full marathon a day for five days.

"I'm going to be in all kinds of pain," he said. "But the cause is worth it - it means more than my pain.

"Any physical pain I feel isn't comparable to why we're doing it."

On the final day, McEntee will wear a football shirt with Aaron's name on it for his arrival at Anfield, which he hopes will help push him over the finish line.

"It'll be the hardest thing I've ever done," he said. "But I'll make sure I get through it.

"It means too much not to."

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