A MAN who was told he had flu but then lost both his legs to meningitis has inspired his partner to raise funds for a charity supporting research into the disease by running the London Half Marathon.

Michael Chinchen went to the doctor in December 2002 because he "felt awful".

"I went to work as normal, started feeling grotty and during the night I was violently sick," he said. "My ex wife, who I was living with at the time, said I looked really grey and told me to go to the doctor."

When he did, he says the medic failed to spot the signs of the potential lethal brain bug and sent him home believing he had flu.

"My ex wasn't happy and popped into the chemist at Highcliffe that morning and, after she described the symptoms, the pharmacist basically saved my life by telling her to get me to hospital as soon as possible," said Michael.

The last thing he remembered from that day was arriving at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital car-park before being put into an induced coma for three weeks.

Despite undergoing nearly four months of horrific treatment, Michael was unable to stand because of the excruciating pain and on March 17 2003, he underwent a double amputation.

Because of his determination, however, he learned to walk with prosthetics and was back at work and ready to enjoy Christmas after being in a coma for the previous celebration.

"I am a really lucky man," said Michael, who works as a salesman for a carpet and flooring firm.

"I know that many people have died from this disease."

Mike's new partner, Shelley Harford, said: "Mike has been massively affected by this horrible and cruel disease and I would just like to contribute towards helping to fund research into possible cures."

Shelley is hoping to raise £500 for the Meningitis Now charity by running the London Half Marathon. To sponsor her, visit gofundme.com/f/meningitis-now-london-half-marathon