Welcome to NewsOn the road again As you read this I’ll be right in the middle of a national roadshow, alongside our founder Steve Dayman. This is not a scenic tour round the country or part of my training for the Patagonia Trek next year (see page 22) but an opportunity to meet as many of you, our supporters, as possible and hear your views. We want you to help shape our future and tell us how we can have the greatest possible impact for the people who need us most. Next year sees our 30th anniversary and we will be launching our new five year plan, Vision 2020. Many of you will have played a role in helping us develop our current plan, Vision 2016 but it’s time now to update this. Please help us shape our future and let us have your feedback, thoughts and ideas so we can take our fight against meningitis to the next level. I’m determined that we’re a charity that exists and succeeds because we make a real difference to people’s lives. We’re still a way from achieving our ultimate

vision of a future where no-one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and all those affected get the support they need to rebuild their lives. But with your help, we’re determined to get there. Elsewhere in News we bring you up to date on our push to bring in the Meningitis B vaccine and our ongoing research programme. We’ve relaunched our Community Ambassador programme and recruited more Young Ambassadors – you can meet many of these people (see page 14 onwards) as well as learning more about our Believe and Achieve and Rebuilding Futures days for families. And we tell you about our new, hard-hitting awareness film, The Fastest Hour too. With your support we continue to make massive progress in the fight against meningitis and we’re truly grateful to you for everything you do to help us.

Sue Davie, Chief Executive

On the front cover

Inside this issue

Our cover photo shows Harmonie-Rose from Bath with her mother Freya – supporters of our Beat it Now! campaign. Harmonie-Rose fell ill a few days after taking her first steps at 10 months old. She lost her arms and legs just before her first birthday.

News Beat it Now! Join us for a Brighter Future A positive Bounty Supporting excellent research

Believe and Achieve

Rebuilding futures

Meet our Young Ambassadors

Young Ambassadors visit Downing Street

Ways you can help

Join our family of volunteers

Community Ambassadors

Viral Awareness Week

Events calendar

All sorts of events

Going the extra mile

Thank you to…

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Saving lives and rebuilding futures

Meningitis NowFern House,Bath Road, Stroud,Gloucestershire,GL5 3TJ

Tel: 01453 768000Email: info@meningitisnow.orgWeb: www.MeningitisNow.org

Registered Charity Number (England & Wales) 803016 (Scotland) SCO37790 Company Registration Number 2469130 © Meningitis Now 2015

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Futures

…and sign up to our enewsletter, where you’ll find out what we are up to on a monthly basis. Visit www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/news-centre/e-news-sign-up today.

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Steve is Pride of Britain

Meningitis Aware

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What’s been happening at Meningitis Now

Top award for voluntary workDAVE HANCOCK, 48, our community ambassador, has scooped a top award for his voluntary work. Dave, who has been fighting back from viral meningitis, picked up the CharityComms Inspiring Communicator Award, which recognises and celebrates inspirational communicators in the charity sector. Dave said of his win: “I’m gobsmacked – and it’s not often that I’m lost for words! I never look for recognition because of my passion for the cause and the charity, but to receive this is so very humbling.”

HOT ON THE HEELS of being awarded an honorary doctorate from Bristol University our inspirational founder Steve Dayman found himself sharing the limelight with Ed Miliband and his wife Justine when he was awarded a Pride of Britain Award. Steve received Special Recognition at the glamorous, celeb-filled London awards ceremony for his dedication to raising lifesaving awareness, funds for research and supporting families affected. “It’s an absolute honour to be recognised in this way on the national stage” Steve said. “But the fight is bigger than one man. This honour is tribute to my son Spencer, who I lost to meningitis in 1982, and all the families touched by the trauma of meningitis.”

ARE YOU Meningitis Aware? We’re currently trialling our Meningitis Aware scheme in schools around Gloucestershire, with a view to rolling the scheme out more widely later in the year. Meningitis Aware is a recognition mark initially for primary schools. We’ve developed a challenge day of activities, backed by a teacher resource pack, breaking activities down by key stage. To receive the Meningitis Aware Recognition Mark, pupils, teachers and parents need to know the signs and symptoms, what to do if there is a suspected case and have an understanding of the possible after-effects. Schools need to carry out a minimum of one school challenge day during an academic year.

During the year the pack will be adapted to be used in a variety of settings including secondary schools and universities. We’re grateful to The Summerfield Charitable Trust and CHK Charities Limited for their support of the programme.

The Fastest HourWE TEAMED UP with top London advertising agency Leo Burnett to create a hard-hitting film to raise awareness of the dangers of meningitis and the speed with which it can take hold, It tells the real-life story of Sophia Wyatt and her experience of meningitis, describing in detail the feelings and sensations she underwent in just a matter of hours and revealing the full impact it had on her life. In just one minute it shows her journey from starting to feel unwell to being kept alive in intensive care.

The messages are clear – that meningitis and septicaemia can

take hold quickly, that patients need urgent medical help and

that meningitis is not just a children’s disease.

Regional officers will each have a copy of the film which they will use to raise awareness during visits around their areas.

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Steve and family at the award ceremony

Mum who lost first baby calls for vaccine nowDoctors diagnosed Caroline Williams with polycystic ovaries and said she may never have children. She tried for three years to get pregnant with partner Phil – ‘hope was fading fast’. But the ‘miracle’ happened – she fell pregnant with her first child. They named him Caden – ‘he looked perfect’. Sadly, aged just one, Caden died within 11 hours of contracting meningitis in March 2014 – just over a year after the vaccine was licensed. She recently gave birth to her second son, Kelyn. Terrified history will repeat itself, Caroline, of Tredegar, south east

Beat it Now!

January 22 marked the second anniversary of the UK’s first vaccine for Meningitis B, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis, receiving its EU licence, proving it is safe and effective. We marked this unwelcome anniversary by calling on supporters to again press their MPs to lobby Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to act, before Parliament dissolves ahead

OUR CAMPAIGN to see the vaccine for Meningitis B introduced continues.

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Wales, spoke to her GP about getting the vaccine privately. She said: “Kelyn was a blessing and his health is the most important thing in the world to me after what happened to Caden. “I cherish Caden’s memory, but my heart is still full of grief and I’m scared for Kelyn’s future. “This vaccine should’ve been in use long ago, protecting our babies, and it’s hard to understand why it’s taking so long. “Please don’t let others go through what we have when it’s so easy to prevent this now.”

Harmonie-Rose, from Bath, has captured the heart of

everyone she meets as she battles back from meningitis. Her parents, Freya

and Ross, are seen here with another Beat it Now! supporter, Helen from Cheltenham

with her daughter Elise, who is also fighting back from the disease. Freya told us: “Harmonie has

undergone more than 10 operations since falling ill in September 2014 and faces more treatment on her road to recovery. She is our little miracle, and fought so hard to stay here with her family. Life for Harmonie will be very different and our

whole community are working very hard to provide her with the life she fought so hard

to have. Children should not have to go through what little Harmonie did;

they should not have to suffer the way she did.”

of May’s election. Our figures highlighted that, within the time since the vaccine was licensed, 24 UK children under-one – one a month – could have died. The figures also show there were around 1,130 Meningitis B cases during the period. Of these, at least 452 people could have died or suffered disabilities. Many of these were avoidable if the vaccine had been introduced immediately after licensure.

Campaign wins award but ‘the fight continues’We were delighted to win a prestigious national award for our campaign to get the new vaccine on the NHS. We bagged Charity Times’ Campaigning Team of the Year for Beat it Now!, calling for the UK’s first Meningitis B vaccine to be free to infants. We were shortlisted alongside NSPCC, Scope, Age UK, Citizens Advice, Business in the Community and Fostering Network. Chief executive Sue Davie received the award from comedienne Jo Caulfield at a London ceremony.

Sue said: “It’s amazing to receive this industry nod for all we’ve achieved. “This is primarily due to supporters’ energy – the campaign’s backbone, and congratulations to everyone involved in any way. “Sadly, even though we’re months on from hearing that Bexsero will be free to infants, we still don’t have an implementation date. “So, Beat it Now! and the fight relentlessly continues.”

Caroline and Caden

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We were thrilled to be joined by our Royal patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex for the evening, as well as our patron Professor Lord Darzi, who hosted the event. The Brighter Futures Partnership – a big, bold and brave programme for business – aims to create genuine partnerships that generate real and tangible benefits for companies, for example enhancing their brand, inspiring their staff and creating business opportunities, while saving lives and rebuilding the future for individuals and families affected by meningitis. Ian Stuart, Head of UK Commercial Banking and Co-Head of Commercial Banking

More than 820,000 cards will be included in Bounty packs every year. These packs are offered free to all mums following the birth of their baby. Charlotte, who had viral meningitis as a child, was keen to get involved after meeting our founder Steve Dayman at the Pride of Britain Awards (see page 5).

Europe for HSBC, told the invited audience about his own family’s experience with the disease and how we have been able to support them. “My contact with Meningitis Now has demonstrated at first hand the value of a programme such as Brighter Futures,” he said. “It has shown me how much can be achieved when we harness the energy and enthusiasm of the charity and ally it with the financial resource of private sector companies. “This programme has a bright future.” Organisations can become action partners, ambition partners or vision partners, depending on the level of support and benefits offered.

Join us for a Brighter FutureWE LAUNCHED our Brighter Futures Partnership programme for working with companies in the private sector at a reception at the House of Lords in December.

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‘Little brother’ to the Brighter Futures Partnership programme, Brighter Futures

Community Partners, is a fundraising initiative designed to encourage small to medium sized companies to get involved and support our life-changing work. The

programme marks a new way of rewarding and recognising the value that local

companies make in helping us in our battle to beat meningitis. More details on our

website - www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/local-you/

workplace/business-partners

A positive bounty

TV PRESENTER and mum-to-be – now new mum – Charlotte Hawkins backed our campaign to provide all new mums with meningitis symptoms cards.

She told us: “Being a new parent is an exciting but scary time, with so much to learn about your new baby. Colds and high temperatures are a real worry and the word meningitis causes a lot of fear for new mums like me! “These cards may look simple but they carry life-saving information. I’m urging every new parent to hold on to their symptoms card because if it saves just one life then we’ve made a difference.” Our chief executive Sue Davie commented: “This is a huge opportunity to raise awareness of the disease parents fear the most. We will be reaching more than three quarters of a million new mothers with life-saving meningitis information thanks to this partnership with Bounty.” Bounty included the cards for free and the production costs were supported by pharmaceutical companies GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis Vaccines and Pfizer.

DID YOU KNOW?

Babies under 1 and children under 5 are at the greatest risk of contracting meningitis, with over half of all cases occurring in this

age group. Each year there are on average 3,200 cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK – leaving 10 per cent of sufferers dead and a third of those who survive with

after-effects such as brain damage, loss of hearing and sight and,

where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring.

To find out more contact Andy Brown,

Partnerships Manager on 01453 769066

or email andyb@meningitisnow.org

Lady Darzi, Ian Stuart, HRH Countess of Wessex, Lord Darzi and Sue Davie, our chief executive, at the House of Lords reception.

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Supporting excellent research

All the applications we get are reviewed by independent peer reviewers and our Scientific Medical Advisory Panel, made up of leading scientists within the field of meningitis, and assessed against relevance; innovation; originality; design; methodology; ethical aspects; and financial value. Final decisions are made by our Board of Trustees, based on the advisory panel’s recommendations. At our latest meeting in December they agreed to fund one new research programme and extend another – continuing a programme of

more than £12 million of vital research we have funded over the years. Further details on these latest research projects will feature in a future issue of News and there’s information on all our current research projects on our website at www.meningitisnow.org/how-we-help/research/current-research-projects Meningitis in premature newbornsOne project that has recently completed was headed by Professor Simon Kroll at Imperial College London. This investigated the complex populations

EACH YEAR we run a grant awards programme focusing on funding excellent quality, innovative, high-risk research undertaken by scientists based exclusively in the UK, with the ultimate aim of preventing and eradicating all forms of meningitis and associated disease.

Funding our research is only possible through

your extraordinary generosity. Please

donate or fundraise today to raise the funds

we need to continue this vital research.

of bacteria found in the gut of premature babies who develop septicaemia and meningitis. The risk of meningitis is highest in the first year of life, but newborns – especially premature newborns – are particularly susceptible. The team hoped that by monitoring the gut bacteria population in these babies they might be able to identify what makes an infant more at risk of developing infection and septicaemia. For this exciting and innovative project Professor Kroll and his team recruited 369 babies under 32 weeks gestational age. Sadly, but as expected, about one in ten of these very premature babies developed blood stream infections such as meningitis and septicaemia. The team collected daily samples and

clinical data from each infant – a total of nearly 11,000 samples and 1,000,000 data entries.

After two years of research the team has made

a number of observations that can help identify premature

infants who are at high risk of developing infection and septicaemia. These indicators include mechanically-aided ventilation and the presence of invasive lines, as well as high proportions of certain bacterial families. By identifying these risk factors Professor Kroll and his team have provided the medical community with more ways to monitor premature infants particularly vulnerable to infection. With further research we may be able to develop treatments which reduce the risk of the development of infection and septicaemia in premature babies.

Photos courtesy of Public Health England, North West

Those attending the day told us:

“Great to have access to ‘pros’ and great to be amongst more adults with

meningitis-related issues.”

“What an excellent day. I wasn’t sure about registering and almost thought

that I was wasting a place that a family in ‘more need’ could attend, but I now realise how important days like today

are. I now feel more confident moving forward.”

“This is my first time at an event and I’ve gained valuable information and

feel I am now not alone.”

“I would really like to thank the team at Meningitis Now for the rebuilding futures day. I was wondering where I would get my strength from to carry

on the fight. Today gave me the push I needed to carry on.”

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Action-packed believe and achieve days

A lovely time was had by all when we visited Twycross Zoo – despite the weather. Nearly 60 people – adults and children – joined us there for our first Rebuilding Futures Day. The day offered a mix of activities and workshops focusing on rebuilding life after meningitis. While the youngsters headed into the zoo for piñata making (the zoo uses them to stuff treats inside for the chimps!) and to meet the guinea pigs, rabbits and bearded dragons, the adults listened to experts and individuals with inspirational stories around the after-effects of meningitis and septicaemia and the support we can offer. Meningitis Now staff and volunteers were on hand to cover volunteering, fundraising and local support.

We’ve been holding a number of action-packed weekends for young people who have had meningitis – and their brothers and sisters – at PGL centres around the country, and more are in the pipeline. These free weekend residential breaks offer young people aged 11 to 18 the chance to try fun and challenging activities, led by qualified PGL activity centre staff, including high rope challenges, canoeing, trapeze and zip wire slides. This year we’ve held an event in Swindon in January for 20 people and a further 38 are expected at our next weekend in Lancashire at the end of March. Look out for the dates for future events on our website at www.meningitisnow.org “These packed weekends give young people the opportunity to try fun and challenging activities, meet others affected by meningitis and make new friends” explained our Research, Information and Support Officer, Rhiannon Conner, who organises them. “They’re open to all families who have been affected by meningitis.” We’re grateful to Children in Need, who fund the Believe and Achieve weekends.

Rebuilding futures

Believe and Achieve weekends are just one way we’re supporting

young people and families affected by meningitis. See www.meningitisnow.org/how-we-help/our-support-

services/ for a full list.

Parents get the benefit too:

“My son was able to relax and have fun with kids the same as him”

“It was good to talk to other parents

about our experiences of how meningitis is still affecting our children. It was very informative and the children

enjoyed time with new friends”

“Excellent! I feel empowered and more knowledgeable about my daughter's ongoing issues and prepared to voice my opinions and not be fobbed off!”

What those attending tell us:

“Very helpful and rewarding experience”

“It was a fun way to meet new

people and take part in activities”

“I know how to support my brother in better ways” We hope to hold more

of these events in the future. If you

would be interested in coming along please

email susettew@meningitisnow.org or call 01453 769032

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WE ARE DELIGHTED to have 31 Young Ambassadors, after recently welcoming six new recruits.

Meet our Young Ambassadors

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Our Young Ambassador programme invites young people, in some way touched by the disease, to raise lifesaving awareness and funds in their area for Meningitis Now.

Spread across the UK, they are a powerful, influential and direct link to the charity.They help shape our future, support others struggling with meningitis and ensure people know about the dreaded

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disease and that we are here for anyone affected. We host regular training days to ensure Young Ambassadors are updated on the disease, vaccines and the charity among other issues.

They are invited to and attend key events such as our parliamentary action days to rally politicians to join our Beat it Now! campaign, to get the new Meningitis B vaccine free on the NHS quicker.

The latest crop is:

Johari Adjei, of BirminghamJasmine Beer, of Plymouth

Hanna Boardman, of StockportAmy Bodycombe, of NeathMax Pillings, of CambridgeLouise Poole, of Paignton

Johari’s younger brother Ato suffered after-effects including autism, epilepsy and severe cognitive delay following pneumococcal meningitis at just eight months in 2000.

Sixteen-year-old Johari, of Hall Green, Birmingham, says the family look after Ato because ‘he’s completely dependent, needing constant care’. She became a Young Ambassador after her vicar highlighted Meningitis Now following his daughter fighting the disease.

Johari said: “I know how devastating the dreaded disease

is – it’s an honour to join the Young Ambassador team.

“I will ensure that no one in my community goes through meningitis alone. “It’s also vital everyone learns the symptoms, which can save lives and help people avoid life-changing after-effects. “I’ll do all I can to aid Meningitis Now because a united front can beat this horrendous disease.” Charity chief executive Sue Davie added: “We’re thrilled to now have 31 Young Ambassadors after the new intake. They’re the young face of the charity in their areas, working with our regional members. Through their support, enthusiasm and hard work, we’ll achieve so much more.”

Meet Johari Adjei

Some of our Young Ambassadors, here stepping out with our founder Steve Dayman.

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Two ways you can help...It’s May Mayhem Go Miles for

Meningitis May Mayhem for Meningitis is the brainchild of Yorkshire businesswoman and long-term supporter Alison Hobson – seen below on the Great Wall of China during one of her many fundraising ventures.Using the 31 days and 31 challenge theme, the event is all about allowing people to challenge themselves, friends and families.

Alison said: “In the month of May, I want to get as many people as possible taking on small challenges that will make a big difference. You can do something every day to raise funds – or one challenge to last the whole month.” Alison plans to run ten miles every day for her challenge and is being sponsored by colleagues and friends. Alison’s daughter Lillie-Beth contracted meningococcal septicaemia in 2008, almost losing her life.

Miles for Meningitis – the latest initiative to spread awareness from supporters Alan and Ruth Glynn, from Perth, took its first steps at the beginning of February, on the anniversary of their daughter Alexis’s death. Miles for Meningitis is a year-long drive to combine fitness with highlighting the

symptoms of meningitis. “The aim is to record how many miles you have covered – it could be running, walking or cycling, anything that accumulates miles. You then take

a photo and post it on our Facebook page,” Alan said.

“Just by getting people

talking about what you are doing and why you will be raising essential awareness.” Alan and Ruth have committed themselves to fundraising, with

the Forever Fund they created in memory of

Alexis bringing in over £100,000 to date.

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Our Young Ambassadors took our Beat it Now! campaign to the heart of Government in March. On the invitation of David Cameron they were joined around the cabinet table in No. 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister’s Special Advisor on Health, Nick Seddon.

Young Ambassadors go to the heart of Government

The Young Ambassadors were amazing, briefly and confidently sharing their stories, making it very clear how real the long-term impact of meningitis can be, its effects on the wider family and why the introduction of the MenB vaccine is so important for us all.

We were able to demonstrate that not all after-effects are immediately evident and that this, together with the full impact on all members of a family, had not been taken into account when looking at what the Government considered to be a “cost-effective vaccine price”.

Nick Seddon committed to updating the Prime Minister on what he had heard.Before they went into Downing Street, the Young Ambassadors delivered our

emergency petition, with over 11,000 signatures, to a representative of the Secretary of State for Health at the Department of Health.

One of our Young Ambassadors, Aaron Booth, said: “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to meet the Prime Minister and ask him about the delays, but it was still a fascinating visit and an opportunity to press our case and make our voice heard.”

Chief executive Sue Davie, who joined the group, added: “We’re really grateful to our Young Ambassadors, who gave up their time to help with this latest push. Let’s hope the Government is listening and we’re able to resolve negotiations before Parliament rises. It would be a legacy Government could be proud of.”

JOIN US for a month of mayhem in May!

To get involved go to www.maymayhem.co.uk

Take a look at www.smallcitybigpersonality.

co.uk/Miles-For-Meningitis-event

Young Ambassadors at No. 10, with Sue Davie (fifth from left) and Amanda Oxford, Development Director, left.

We’ve relaunched our Community Ambassador programme, which recognises the role committed supporters around the country play in our work.

Our Community Ambassadors

The prestigious voluntary role has been extended to 27 people around the UK. One of those taking on the challenge is Lesley Leaver, from Yorkshire, who will work alongside our regionally-based officers in her local community to help fund vital research, raise awareness and support others who have suffered from the disease. “Becoming a Community Ambassador is a real honour” Lesley said. “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to give something back and make a difference with Meningitis Now’s work in my local community.” Lesley lost her husband, Kevin, to meningococcal septicaemia in January 2000, just five hours after he was admitted to hospital. Lesley, a retired teacher, has supported us since. “I know only too well how cruel this disease can be and I don’t want other local families to go through what we have. It’s vital that everybody

recognises the signs and symptoms and knows what action to take if they suspect meningitis. “This role will be a challenge but I’m determined to make a difference." Steve Dayman, our founder, said: “We’re thrilled that Lesley will be the face of our charity in her local community, working alongside our regionally-based team members. With her support, enthusiasm and hard work we’ll be able to achieve so much more in our fight against meningitis.”

To find out more and who the Community

Ambassador is in your neck of the

woods take a look at our website.

Join our family of volunteers

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We have really fabulous volunteers but we need even more to sign up and become part of our volunteering family, so we can be part of lots of activities across the UK.

We’ve recently launched our Opportunities Board on our website, which lists everything that’s going on. If you see something you’d like to do or get involved with then fill in a simple form and we’ll be in touch.

You can also keep in contact with Facebook.

If you're inspired to join us, please do get in touch. You’ll be very welcome.

One of our volunteers, Amanda Gray, tells us why she enjoys being involved:

“I wanted to give something back to the charity and raise awareness after they supported me and my family after my daughter contracted bacterial meningitis at 10 days old. Volunteering just came naturally to me. “I have told my story to the local press,

done an interview with the local radio station, held supermarket collections and bag packs, sent information to local schools, doctors surgeries and

chemists and handed out signs and symptoms cards in my local carnival. “I arranged for my daughter’s nursery to hold a toddle waddle, put collection tins in local businesses and I’m currently asking for donations for wrist bands in my daughter’s nursery. “I’m well supported by the volunteer team at Meningitis Now and I feel like I’m contributing in a really worthwhile way.”

Find out more from Lindsey Buckenham,

our Volunteer Manager on 01453 769079 or email lindseyb@meningitisnow.org

Amanda Gray

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Get ready for viral awareness week

Viral meningitis can affect anyone – and it does affect about 6,000 people every year. There is still a misconception that it’s a ‘mild’ disease and that is something we want to change. Although it’s rarely life threatening, its impact on individuals and families is often underestimated. There is still a lot to do to make sure this disease is taken seriously.

Our viral meningitis survey showed that after-effects were experienced by 97% of respondents, including:

• Exhaustion• Headaches• Memory loss• Anxiety• Depression• Dizziness/balance

problems• Hearing difficulties

That is why our Viral Meningitis Week will be happening again this year.

It will run from Monday 4 May to Sunday 10 May and we’d love you to get involved, be ‘vocal about viral’ and help spread awareness about this misunderstood form of the disease.

CLAIRE’S STORY“Having viral meningitis and suffering the after-effects has had a huge impact on myself and my family. Within the space of a year my life has completely changed.

“The therapy Meningitis Now provided has helped me to accept the changes and deal with the guilt I was feeling about the effect the changes are having on my family.

“I would like to say a huge thank you. The therapy was offered quickly and more sessions offered when requested.

“I am more accepting of the changes this illness has brought about and I have been able to help my 7-year-old to understand what has happened and why.”

DID YOU KNOW?

We have free services tailored to viral meningitis

victims, including complementary therapies,

counselling, one-to-one support and home visits.

For more information, visit our website.

Claire and her son Tom

April12 Brighton Marathon

26 London Marathon

May25 BUPA London 10K

30 Morecambe Bay Walk

30 & 31 Edinburgh Marathon Festival

June4-7 Trek the Lake District

6-7 Nightrider

August2 Prudential Ride

London-Surrey 100

September4-6 Three Peaks Challenge

13 Bupa Great North Run

13 Ironman, Wales

24-4 Kilimanjaro - Machame Trail

27 Five Valleys Walk, Stroud

October4 Cardiff Half Marathon

7 Mud Runner Classic, Eastnor Estate

11 Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon

25 Great South Run

November1 TCS New York City Marathon

14-24 Cycle Vietnam to Cambodia

19-24 Sahara Desert Trek

December10 Gloucester Cathedral Concert

February5-14 Patagonia Trek

All yearToddle Waddle

Time 4 Tea

For other events, including regional runs and skydives, contact your Community Fundraiser – see page 28.

2015-2016EVENTS CALENDAR

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We have all sorts of events for all sorts of people, from local runs to overseas treks. Here’s a selection to whet your appetite – there are lots more on our website at www.meningitisnow.org/events.

All sorts of events for all sorts of people

We still have a few places left on this amazing challenge to celebrate our 30th anniversary, a five-day trek across the Patagonian Andes from Argentina to Chile between 5 and 14 February next year. Join our chief executive Sue Davie on this adventure of a lifetime, trekking through some of the most breathtaking scenery in South America. The route starts in the majestic Lake District area of Argentina, where snow-capped mountains fringe glacial lakes. You will then cross into Chile and enter a wondrous world of lush rainforest,

cascading waterfalls and bubbling hot springs.

We are the only charity offering a Patagonian challenge in 2016, so demand is high!

Want to know more? Call us on 0345 120 4530 or email events@meningitisnow.org.

Time 4 Tea is one of the easiest (and probably most enjoyable) events to organise for us.

Arrange a tea or cake-related event this summer and invite as many guests as you can. By making donations, everyone knows that their tea drinking and cake munching is making a difference to people affected by meningitis. It’s that easy.

Send for your free pack now.Order by phone on 01453 768000, email time4tea@meningitisnow.org or fill in the form on our website at www.meningitisnow.org

Keen cyclists should note that we have guaranteed places available for this 100-mile cycle challenge, which takes you through urban London streets and beautiful countryside in Surrey. Last year’s team raised over £45,000, helping us to save lives and rebuild futures. In early 2013, Debbie’s friends’ lives were turned upside down when their son, Max, contracted bacterial meningitis. After weeks in hospital fighting for his life, Max was finally allowed home and, a year later, he is a healthy two year old. Debbie wanted to make sure that we would be here for anyone else who might need our help, now and in the future, which is why she took on last year’s RideLondon-Surrey 100 to raise funds for our work - and she loved every minute.

For more details, contact us by emailing ridelondon@meningitisnow.org or calling 0345 120 4530.

For runners, we have guaranteed places for the Great North Run, the world's leading half marathon. You can follow in the footsteps of Olympic champion Mo Farah at this year’s Great North Run on Sunday 13 September. Our supporter Nichola Conlon did just that by taking part in the run for us last year. The 27-year-old mum from Newcastle upon Tyne wouldn’t claim to be a fanatical runner, but wanted to celebrate her daughter’s recovery from meningitis. She said “It was a fantastic and moving day, the crowd and the atmosphere they created all around the course was amazing and I was so pleased and proud to be able to take part for Evie and Meningitis Now.” Email gnr@meningitisnow.org or call us on 0345 120 4530 for more information.

Patagonia 30th anniversary challenge Ride London

Great North Run

Trekking events: Two of our most scenic challenges will see you conquer eight Lake District peaks that rise above 3,000 feet in just two days or climb the three highest mountains in

Scotland, England and Wales in just 36 hours. We’d love you to join one of this year’s teams. To find out more call 0345 120 4530 or email events@meningitisnow.org

Lows included ‘unnecessary trauma” from Australian officials, but its south coast was memorable.

They logged and blogged their adventures on social media, attracting many followers.

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Going the extra mile

COUPLE Rayelle and Richard Smith conquered a colossal cross-continents charity challenge.

The dynamic duo, of near Stroud, Gloucestershire, spent over two years relentlessly renovating their treasured 23-year-old Land Rover for their 18,200-mile UK to Australia drive for us.

Rayelle and Richard, who have seen several family and friends die or overcome meningitis over the years, raised around £3,500 through the four-month exploit.

Highs included China’s diversity, strangers’ kindness and Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking mountains, mountain communities and open spaces.

Rayelle, who first witnessed meningitis in her 20s when her cousin Danette’s baby Matthew succumbed after a brave battle, said: “A highpoint was experiencing amazing, diverse cultures, temperatures and landscapes crossing China.

A SQUAD of superheroes endured horrendous hail and rain to raise hundreds of pounds. Shona Simpson, of Cupar, Fife, who witnessed three family members battle the disease, amassed 21 caped crusaders for her 10-mile trek, from the town to St Andrews. Costumes included Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl and women in

Couple conquer colossal cross-continents charity challenge

Superheroes stride to stamp out malevolent meningitis

“Another is getting lost in a Kyrgyzstan mountain pass, although

Richard suggests ‘we just took a wrong turn’.

“The two to three-hour pass became more like 24 hours.

“This said, the breathtaking beauty, open spaces

and mountain communities, as well as

treacherous shifting road surface with barely room for

a goat herder, are memories we’ll never forget.”

The long-serving Meningitis Now supporters traversed 20 countries including Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, China, Thailand and Singapore.

Rayelle said: “Another positive was the amazing kindness of strangers, across the entire journey.

“Whether it was vehicle problems or directions, help was abundant and left a profound effect on us.”

The couple shipped the over 3.5-ton 4X4 from Singapore to Perth, Australia, before the final leg to their youngest daughter Celestine’s Brisbane home.

their 60s as Supergrans. Meningitis Now founder Steve Dayman also walked. Shona, a Meningitis Now volunteer team leader for Scotland, said: “It was great to see so many colourful and wonderful superheroes soldier on in awful weather to primarily remember my mum Sandra Hutcheon. “Although we cried remembering her when we started, it was an honour and a laugh. “At one point Steve and I sang Singin’ in the Rain, and all the while we helped a charity close to my heart.” Shona thanks her husband Mark and friend Dawn Hastie ‘for their amazing help’. Sandra, described as “the life and soul of the party”, became paralysed and unable to communicate after a brain haemorrhage and meningitis on Christmas Day 2001. The ex-nurse passed away on her 63rd birthday on April 12, 2012.

Shona’s youngest son Kai contracted

meningitis at just seven months in 2008, and only survived

unscathed thanks to quick-thinking Dawn and medical staff. Finally, her brother Stephen fully recovered after viral meningitis aged four in 1974.

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Thank you to…

David Bower, who organised a fancy dress

Hallow’een party in memory of David’s nephew Joel. The night raised £1,055.

Lesley Spragg, who won the prize of a coffee

machine and tea hamper for being our top Time for Tea

fundraiser. Her event raised a fantastic £1,146.23. Neil Rickard, who raised a staggering £7,819.20 from taking part in last year’s Great North Run for us. Big congratulations to our patron and long-term supporter Bob Woodward, who has received an OBE for his services to charity. Bob has supported the meningitis fight for many years. Super chef and meningitis survivor Yianni Papoutsis, one of the men behind top restaurant chain MEATliquor. They’ve published a limited edition of The MEATliquor Chronicles – their celebration of all things meat and liquor – with all proceeds coming to us. The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology, who chose us as their charity at their annual luncheon in November, because chairman, Alan Lacey’s son

Hotel to remember a Little Big Hero, who died of meningitis in 2009. It was the third ball to remember nine-month-old Joel Ruck. His parents, Kimberlyn and Lee, with family and friends, have raised more than £22,230 in his memory with more still coming in. Averil Tucker, and her granddaughter Grace, who held a summer garden party, opening up her house and garden and organising food, raffle prizes, stalls and activities. Grace had meningitis when she was younger but is now a keen ballet dancer. The event raised over £800, and this year’s target is £1,000! The 3,000+ bikers who took part in the Hoggin the Bridge ride over the Severn Bridge to Chepstow racecourse. The event began when Steve Dayman asked club member Rex Forester to get a few bikes to join him on a fundraising walk – Rex turned up with 1,000 bikes! We received £4,000 of the £10,000+ the event raised. Graham and Linda Davies, and club members of the Old Nene Golf and Country Club in Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, who chose to make us their charity of the year after their son, Leigh Matthews contracted and recovered from the disease when he was 19. They made it their mission to

raise £1,000 but achieved an incredible £1,820.

Good luck to supporter Mark McCarthy, who, inspired by ‘Dry January’ has set

himself the target

Cameron had meningitis when he was younger. Thanks in part to a high value auction the event raised over £5,000. Serial fundraiser Naomi Patterson from Dorset, who raised more than £4,000 for us from a hugely successful charity football match. Her son George has been left severely disabled by meningitis. Sian Turnbull, who raised over £3,000 from a family day of fun, ten years after her son Jay contracted meningitis. DP London Gateway, who raised £15,000 for us and a local hospice by holding a quiz night in November.

Our Community Ambassador Vanessa Whiting, who

conquered her fear of heights to take on wing walking, in memory of her son Luke. Her barnstorming bravery raised a brilliant £912.

John Davis, 81, a veteran of

our Five Valleys Walk for the last ten years has decided

to hang up his boots. But he won’t be disappearing into the sunset over the beautiful Cotswold hills – instead he’s opting for the

less strenuous but equally valuable role of helping out

with other volunteers at Slad, one of the walk’s nine checkpoints.

A glamorous Great-Gatsby themed grand ball was held at the Croydon Park

of not drinking throughout the year (while on English soil)! His ‘Dry 2015’ is in thanks for the recovery of his youngest son Harvey. Support him if you can at www.justgiving.com/Mark-McCarthy6dry2015 St Mary’s Primary School in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, who held a ‘silly slippers day'. The children all enjoyed the novelty of wearing their slippers in school (as did a few of the teachers) and a fantastic £280.15 was raised. Long-standing supporters Bryn Meadows Golf Club in Ystrad Mynach, who hosted their annual golf day for us in September. They also opened up their new nine-hole academy course, with an hour’s professional tuition thrown in. The day raised a fantastic £2,200. Sue and James Virgo, of Berkeley, Gloucestershire, and their family and friends, who have smashed £100,000 raised to remember two-year-old Sam, who died of meningitis in March 2008.

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Sue and James Virgo with family and friends

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David Bower's Hallow'een party

Graham and Linda Davies

St Mary's Primary School

Great Gatsby themed grand ball organisers

Vanessa Whiting

John Davis

For Community Support contact Steve Ferbrache. Tel: 01453 769026Email: stevef@meningitisnow.org

For Community Fundraising contact Helen Whatmore. Tel: 01453 769067Email: helenw@meningitisnow.org

Thank you to…

Becky and Harry Doyle, family and friends for raising an amazing £22,498 (with the support of Barclays matched funding) from Liam’s Smiles Ball, named after brave meningitis survivor Liam Doyle, 4, Becky’s son, who is fighting back after bacterial meningitis in July 2010.

Unison president Lucia McKeever for choosing us as her President’s Charity. Lucia lost her son Conor to meningitis. The partnership encourages Unison’s 1.3 million members, their family and friends, to fundraise and raise awareness.

National law firm Irwin Mitchell, who organised a photography competition with us to raise awareness of how disabled people can achieve their goals by sharing stories of personal achievement. We had many inspirational entries. Huge thanks too for a £15,000 donation; the cost difference between sending e-Christmas cards and paper cards.

Helen Bromovsky and her daughters Nolly, Bella and Kitty, for hosting two Turkish Bazaars to remember their husband and father Francis, who died of meningitis in 2010. The family has raised over £30,000 for us.

Joanne Mills and Dave Fleming, from Lancashire, who organised a charity evening in

memory of their son Alfie, who died

of meningitis last November, raising about £8,000.

Tracey Saunders and family, who are undertaking a unique publishing project,

with proceeds coming to us, in memory of her son

Edward, who died of meningitis aged 18.

Robey and the Dentist was written and illustrated by Edward when he was 11. He dreamed of one day publishing his own book but was robbed of the opportunity to become an author by meningitis. Now Tracey’s determined to make his dream come true.

Personal trainer Craig Adams and friends, from Plymouth, who put their backs into a million metre row to fight meningitis, in the name of their friends Greg Pannell and Louise Murphy’s son Harry, who defied doctors’ expectations and is continuing his fight back from meningitis in 2007. They conquered the 621-mile rowing machine challenge in around a month.

Joanne Mills and Dave Flemming

Daniel Martino for The Gazette/Johnston Press.

Liam Doyle