Life after meningitis

AN international day highlighting the bravery of meningitis survivors and those whose lives have been changed forever through losing someone to the disease is being backed by Meningitis Now, the UK’s leading meningitis charity.

World Meningitis Day (Wednesday 24 April), an initiative of the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO), focuses on ‘Life After Meningitis’.

Meningitis Now Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt, said: “We know that life after meningitis is tough for many people and we want to use World Meningitis Day to showcase the bravery of meningitis survivors and those who have lost a loved one.

“Through our supporters telling their stories, raising awareness of the signs and symptoms and increasing vaccine knowledge, we can raise the profile of this devastating disease and help to reduce its impact for future generations.”

There are an estimated 22 cases of meningitis each day across the UK. The disease can strike in hours, but the after-effects, including deafness, limb loss and brain damage, can last a lifetime. Those who lose a loved one to the disease have their lives changed forever.

“On World Meningitis Day, as on every other day, we are here to help and support those who need us.” Tom added.

The charity is keen to use World Meningitis Day to promote its range of support services, including its recently-launched Rebuilding Futures Fund, which provides financial, practical and emotional support for people of all ages affected by meningitis.

“We’re not about quick fixes; we’re here to provide tailored support with long-term impact, that will really help people and families to rebuild their lives after meningitis,” Tom said.

“We’re proud to provide this unique, life-changing support – the only meningitis organisation to do so in the UK.”

Other charity support activity includes its popular Family Days – regional fun days out for families affected by meningitis – and the Believe & Achieve programme especially for young people.

Meningitis Now is also launching its first Facebook fundraiser on World Meningitis Day to help fundraise for that support and calling on the public to contribute if they’re able to and make a difference for those impacted by meningitis in the future. Visit www.MeningitisNow.org for more details.

If you have been affected by meningitis or would like more information, visit www.meningitisnow.org or contact the Meningitis Now helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or helpline@meningitisnow.org

Meningitis Now is working towards a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need.

It does this by funding research into vaccines and prevention, raising awareness so people know what to look for and what action to take if they suspect meningitis and rebuilding futures by providing dedicated support to people living with the impact of the disease.