A nine-year-old boy who was “very lucky” to survive meningitis is running for a charity close to his family's heart.

Cormac Hanley, from Brighton, finishes his final 3km run today in time to open his Christmas presents, meaning he will have run 75km since the start of December.

He has been braving rain, fog and snow to complete the challenge.

Cormac caught the disease when he was just two days old but did not get any long-term health problems from it.

Cormac said: “When I was just two days old, I suddenly became very ill with a really high temperature. It turned out that I had a horrible bug called meningitis, which had got into my blood stream and travelled up towards my brain.

“Luckily for me, I am now fit and healthy and can do all the things a typical 9-year-old can do – run, swim, ride a bike and play football.”

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by bacteria or viruses.

The Argus: Cormac running with Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis NowCormac running with Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now (Image: Andrew Hasson)

Cormac is running for charity Meningitis Now, raising more than £2,000 in the process.

His initial target was £250.

Cormac's mother and father Vicky and Derek Hanley spoke of how proud they were of their son, as well as the support received from charity Meningitis Now.

Vicky added: “Cormac was very lucky to survive meningitis and septicaemia and doubly lucky not to have suffered any long-term, life-changing physical difficulties or injuries as a result of it.”

“We were very grateful for the support we received from Meningitis Now over the phone and also met with a lovely lady who came to visit shortly after we brought Cormac home.”

The Argus: Cormac has run 75km for the monthCormac has run 75km for the month (Image: Andrew Hasson)

Meningitis Now CEO Dr Tom Nutt said: “We’ve been so inspired by Cormac’s amazing fundraising efforts. To run 75km in December and finish on Christmas Day is a remarkable festive feat.

“Certain age groups are more susceptible and like in Cormac’s case particularly those under the age of one.

"Many people who contract meningitis and septicaemia will make a good recovery, but some will suffer physical, neurological and psychological after-effects.”

For more information on the fundraiser, click here.