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Welcome to NewsWe will soon reach our first anniversary of becoming Meningitis Now, a combined charity with a wealth of experience spanning research, support and awareness. The year has flown by and what a busy time we’ve had. Thank yous go to all our supporters who were incredibly supportive during this massive transition.
Inside this issue of News you can read about what we’ve been up to since we merged - an update on the Meningitis B vaccine and our Beat it Now! campaign, our royal visit, one family’s commitment to fight meningitis in adolescents, how our financial grants have given a meningitis survivor her freedom back and much, much more, including how you’ve been supporting us and can continue to do so.
Over the next six months we plan to be busy too. We will be stepping up our awareness campaigns with a push to students; sending symptoms information to new parents through Bounty Packs; running our annual winter awareness
campaign; mailing UK GP surgeries; and piloting a new Meningitis Aware recognition mark for primary schools - more on these will be in the next issue.
We’ve also received applications for the next round of research funding and - after external peer review – will consider these at our Scientific Medical Advisory Panel in December. Recommendations for funding will be made to the Board of Trustees and decisions announced in January.
And of course, our push to bring in the Meningitis B vaccine continues. For the latest on this see pages six and seven. If you want to keep up-to-date on what’s happening, sign up to our monthly eNews (details below).
Thank you again for your ongoing support.
Sue Davie, Chief Executive
On the front cover
Inside this issue
Our Westminster Action Day to support Beat It Now! where we met with 40 MPs and Peers.
News Making a big impact Royal visitors help celebrate World Meningitis Day Saving future generations
Can your company help make a brighter future?
Helping to fulfil your life
Making a difference
Be Vocal About Viral successComplementary therapy
New Ambassadors join the team
Events calendar
Marking 20 yearsSoccer legend in big cheque transfer
Mum’s triple challenge
Thank you to…
Local to you
page6
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NEW NAMESAME GOALS
Meningitis NowFern House,Bath Road, Stroud,Gloucestershire,GL5 3TJ
Tel: 01453 768000Email: [email protected]: www.MeningitisNow.org
Registered Charity Number (England & Wales) 803016 (Scotland) SCO37790 Company Registration Number 2469130 © Meningitis Now 2014
Turn to pages 8&9
Our Royal
visitors
…and sign up to our enewsletter, where you’ll find out what we are up to on a monthly basis, as well as hearing about ground-breaking vaccine news as and when it happens. In March and September we’ll also send you a link to News magazine. By signing up to receive eNews and News via email, you will be helping us save money each year. Sign up at www.mnow.co.uk/signuptoenews today.
Receive more regular news…
Our doctor in the house
Coming to a town near you
Recognising our achievements
Our Christmas cards are now ready to buy!
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What’s been happening at Meningitis Now
Remembering loved onesWe held a Forever Day which was attended by a number of different families who had lost loved ones. The day gave families the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones, hear about our latest news and take part in useful meningitis workshops. The day was also a wonderful chance to meet our team and learn about the support that we can offer.
Our next Forever Day will be held in May 2015, to find out more about the day, please contact our helpline team on 0808 80 10 388.
Our executive founder, Steve Dayman - the man who launched the UK’s meningitis movement after losing his baby to the disease – has been ‘honoured’ with an honorary degree from the University of Bristol.
Among his achievements, Steve launched Bristol-based Spencer Dayman Meningitis UK in 1999, to primarily fund a £500,000 state-of-the-art research laboratory at the university.
The Spencer Dayman Meningitis Laboratories officially opened in April 2002 and now house a £2.5 million research investment. Following Meningitis UK grants, the university has also conducted several pioneering meningitis research projects.
Since losing his 14-month-old son Spencer to Meningitis B in 1982, Steve has raised millions of pounds towards vaccine development, spread lifesaving awareness and travelled across the UK meeting and inspiring affected families. The honour comes just after the Government agreed to make the UK’s first Meningitis B vaccine free on the NHS, subject to price negotiations with its manufacturer.
Steve, who also received the MBE in 2010 for his work, said: “It’s an absolute honour to be recognised by the university, which houses the labs.
“The labs have made a significant difference towards a better understanding of the disease.
“I’m humbled, but the fight is bigger than one man.
“The honour is tribute to Spencer and the thousands of families touched by the trauma meningitis causes.
“Without my family and friends, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to make the contribution I have.”
We’re proud to introduce our revamped billboard trailer, which will be touring the country. It’s also been given a new purpose - highlighting that meningitis is still an issue and that funds are needed to beat it. It carries a straightforward text to donate message – text NOW to 70800 to give £5.
If it’s in your area do pop down and say hello, and to the supporters who will join it wherever it makes an appearance.
This year we were lucky to have some of our work nationally and regionally recognised. We have been shortlisted in the Stroud Life Business Awards, Charity Times and PR Week awards - all for our work with our Beat it Now! campaign to bring in the vaccine.
With this issue of News you will have received a copy of our Christmas card order form, along with the designs we have on sale; prices start at £2.75, with all proceeds supporting our work.
Steve Dayman
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In October, Young Ambassador Rosie Heaton
went with Steve Dayman and Sue Davie to deliver the first 20,000
signatures of our vaccine petition to Downing Street. Later the same day we met members of parliament at
Westminster, where we asked them to make a pledge to support
our work.
What next?The Government announced in March that the vaccine will become part of the immunisation programme, if they can agree a price with the manufacturer.
One hundred days after the announcement was made, we had heard nothing more. So we held another House of Commons reception to speak to politicians.
Finally in July the Department of Health said that negotiations are starting. We could have a vaccine in 2015.
“I know that for many people the vaccine comes too late. We are grateful for people’s selflessness in supporting our campaign, we couldn’t have done it without you.”Sue Davie, chief executive
Making a big impact
The latest news is that negotiations have started and we hope the vaccine will beintroduced in 2015. Whilst it comes too late for so many families, it will protect future generations from the pain and suffering of Meningitis B.
In the last year, with your help and determination, we’ve made a big impact on the government’s decision to bring in the Meningitis B vaccine. We want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who signed a petition, shared it on social media, spoke to the press or raised awareness.
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This is how you did it
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Our campaign trailer, driven by our founder Steve Dayman, toured
the UK with the petition, collecting
signatures far and wide.
In September 2013 we submitted evidence
to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation
(JCVI) to help inform their decision making. We
highlighted the long-term impact meningitis has on
families, the NHS and society.
Between January and March 2014 we used our united
voice online and in the press to urge Jeremy Hunt to support the vaccine. We
surveyed parents on Mumsnet and organised a Thunderclap
to make a big noise across social media.
www.beat-it-now.org
Got the support of more than 150 MPs, AMs, MSPs and MLAs
Reached 20 million+ people through newspapers, radio and TV
Reached 3 million+ people through social media
Visited many locations with the Beat it Now! trailer
Gathered 36,000 signatures on a petition
Our Westminster Action Day in February 2014
was a big success and an opportunity for Tommy and
his parents to deliver our petition to the Department
of Health.
Their Royal Highnesses were joined by our executive founder Steve Dayman MBE along with wife Gloria, Jane Wells our founder patron, local Stroud MP Neil Carmichael, and our new ambassador and BBC’s Countryfile presenter Adam Henson. Guests met staff and supporters who have been the driving force behind our successful campaign to persuade the UK government to introduce a vaccine for Meningitis B.
During her speech The Countess praised Meningitis Now for our achievements
over the years, as well as our continuing commitment and ongoing campaigning to create our vision of a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis, and everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives. She highlighted that significant progress has already been made in the fight against the disease, built by our work in bringing people together to make a real difference, but also urged that much is still to be done.
Meningitis Now chief executive Sue Davie spoke of what a hard-working advocate Her Royal Highness is and how “our fight to beat meningitis has moved on tremendously since she first joined us - culminating in the recent announcement on the introduction of a vaccine for Meningitis B.” She added “we sincerely hope The Countess will stay with us for the next ten years as we step up our fight to eradicate this disease.”
As she left, The Countess was presented with a posy by three-year-old Mattia. Mattia
had meningitis in 2011 but has since made an excellent
recovery. His mum, Aurelie is our South West community
ambassador. This was The Countess’s third visit to
the Meningitis Now headquarters, but The Earl’s first.
Royal visitors help celebrate World Meningitis Day
For the past ten years HRH The Countess of Wessex has been Royal Patron for Meningitis Now. This 24 April she made a special visit to our head office, along with husband HRH The Earl of Wessex, to mark World Meningitis Day.
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Saving future generations
The research
Michelle and John Bresnahan, with their daughter Charlotte, have raised nearly £332,985 through their ‘a Life for a Cure’ campaign in memory of their son Ryan, who died in March 2010, and in association with Meningitis Now, towards research.
In mid-August they made the emotional journey to visit the ground-breaking study they’re currently funding at Imperial College London under Professor Paul Langford, searching for new ingredients for an improved vaccine for meningococcal group B disease (MenB).
Michelle said: “It was always our intention when we started that some good would come of losing Ryan. The campaign has been a wonderfully pro-active way of turning our tragedy into some sort of positive and we believe Ryan would be proud.”
Ryan was a talented young sports star who at 16 had the world at his feet. He was predicted to achieve top marks in his GCSEs and was on the verge of playing hockey for England. But his life was cruelly snatched by the disease in less than an hour.
Given the speed with which the disease tore through his body, the only thing that would have protected Ryan was a vaccine. That is why his parents decided to do everything possible to raise money to fund preventative research in his memory.
Michelle added, “We just want to do all we can to find vaccines to wipe out the disease to stop other families from feeling the pain we feel every day after losing Ryan.
“We hope Ryan’s legacy will help scientists to gain a better understanding of the disease and this project could even save the lives of future generations of young people – young people like Ryan who are full of promise and deserve the right to live a full and healthy life.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to gain a real understanding of the work first hand, to meet Professor Langford and to see our tireless fundraising efforts turned into pioneering research.”
Professor Langford’s research involves taking blood samples from people who have had meningococcal group B (MenB) disease and identifying the cells in the blood that are responsible for producing antibodies. He will then find out which specific part of the bacterium is being targeted by these antibodies. These ‘targets’ could be good to use in a vaccine. The particular method has not been used with these bacteria before and thus is likely to find completely original vaccine candidates. The research could lead to a broad-acting MenB vaccine.
The project started in January this year and will run for about two years. This is the second project they have funded. To find out more about ‘a Life for a Cure’ see www.ryanbresnahan.org
A Bristol family’s campaign to fight back against meningococcal disease, after it took their son’s life, has taken another step forward.
Dr. Bidmos, Sue Davie, Prof. Langford, Michelle and Charlotte Bresnahan
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Can your company help make a brighter future?
Getting involved in a charity partnership isn’t just about raising money, there are business and staff benefits too, such as:
• Enhancing your brand with positive stories• Getting involved in cause-related
marketing• Inspiring your staff with team-building,
voluntary and fundraising activities• Making a real difference to the work of
Meningitis Now
In return we’ll provide a toolkit for making the most of our charity partnership, as well as fundraising and public relations support. We’re also here to help any staff who’ve been affected by meningitis.
The financial impact of meningitis is often hugely significant and we know that unexpected financial pressures can be a massive additional burden to many individuals and families. With our financial grants programme we can help you achieve your potential with the things you enjoy.
Recently we have awarded grants for the following; • A lightweight wheelchair so that a
young man can represent Great Britain in wheelchair rugby.
• Supporting a youngster with training and competing in national swimming competitions following her experience of meningitis as a two year old which resulted in triple amputations.
• Dance classes which offered a structured, positive environment for a young girl whose life was turned upside down by the impact of meningitis.
• A contribution towards the purchase of an electric exercise bike to help a young lady improve her chances of walking again following meningitis. “We have been working with the
charity for over 10 years. The partnership is very important to us and has been a huge success. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.”Caroline Gardner, Founder of Caroline Gardner cards
“Working with Meningitis Now has been a true partnership, with clear and tangible benefits for our business, our staff, our customers and the charity. We are thrilled to be associated with such an important cause and such a fantastic charity.”Alan Halsall, Chairman of Silver Cross
To find out more about a partnership with Meningitis Now, please contact Amanda Oxford, our Development Director at [email protected] or 01453 769086.
Gillian received a grant from Meningitis Now for a wheelchair ramp. She says of the difference it makes:
“For a while I allowed myself to become a prisoner. The ramp means that I am now taking back my freedom. It’s given me a great sense of independence. Today I went to the chemist for a prescription, the shop and to visit a friend, then collected charity envelopes from my street. Normally I could only manage one activity a day if I was able to go out at all.
“Thank you all so very much for the award of this grant. It really is making such a difference to my quality of life, which is still affected greatly by my meningitis after-effects. I can now easily manoeuvre my chair out of my
house, without having to rely on my son and daughter being around.
“My daughter says I am going around with a permanent smile, now I have so much freedom. My next step is to try the bus to Aberdeen - with my pal to help - and then I hope further afield to my family in England. Thank you once again.”
Grants can also pay for things such as specialist equipment, therapy, travel and accommodation costs for hospital visits, training, funeral expenses and headstones. To find out more, please contact us on 0808 80 10 388 or visit mnow.co.uk/financialgrants.
If you work for, own or have strong links with a business, then
please tell them about our new Brighter Futures Partnership.
Officially launching this autumn, we wanted you to be the first to know about our new approach
to partnering with local, national and global businesses with an
interest in supporting our work.
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How your business can get involved
Helping to fulfil your life
What people say about working with us
Gillian’s grant…
We have an inspirational team of young ambassadors; each with their own unique story to tell about the effect meningitis has had on their lives.
Making a difference
Our community ambassadors continue to amaze us with the dedication and passion they have for helping us to raise awareness, organise events and support us within their local community. We remain grateful on a daily basis for everything they do.
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Community ambassadors
Young ambassadors
These experiences have motivated them to want to help others affected by meningitis. These amazing young people volunteer their spare time to raise awareness and fundraise within their communities.
In June 2014, one of our young ambassadors, Adam Tuffrey, became one of the youngest people to be awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
He appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about his award, which was given to him in recognition of his outstanding commitment to helping others through his passion for music and making a difference.
We have ambassadors based in Scotland, the North West, North East, East Midlands, Wales, South East, South West and the South and will be announcing our new community ambassadors soon.
Alice and Bryan Austen: “In 2004 our
daughter Gillian died from meningitis just days
after the birth of her second child Grace, who also passed away. Around a week earlier Gillian had been diagnosed with sinusitis after visiting her GP, but was advised not to take antibiotics due to her pregnancy. During the next few days she felt increasingly ill and, after several visits to her GP and A&E, was told her flu-like symptoms had evolved into a chest infection.
"She finally took antibiotics on the night of 15 March but her husband was unable to wake her the next morning. On admission to hospital she was
diagnosed with meningitis and was transferred to intensive care where her daughter, Grace, was born but survived for just a short while.
“After giving birth we hoped Gillian would gain strength enabling her to fight this dreaded disease, doctors explained that other than basic antibiotics there was little else to help Gillian. Gillian died on the 30 March never having experienced the birth of her daughter. She left a two-and-a-half-year-old son Tom, her husband Duncan and a devastated family.
“On Gillian's last visit to her GP she complained of a stiff neck, cold hands and feet and painful joints – all
symptoms of meningitis, which we learnt too late.
"By becoming community ambassadors, we hope to make more people aware of meningitis and help eradicate this terrible disease that can strike anyone at any age."
Our community ambassadors are there for you if you need help organising a fundraising or awareness event, or if you would like to meet others in your local area who are supporting the fight against meningitis.
Adam has made a full recovery from meningitis, which he contracted when he was six. However, he is determined to help those less fortunate than himself.
He has been involved with Meningitis Now for five years, holding his first fundraising concert in 2008 raising £1,200. His concert in 2012 went on to raise more than £10,000. He formed his own choir from two schools, and empowered pupils to have the confidence to perform in front of a large audience, even writing and performing a song himself as part of his promotion for the event! Overall, Adam has raised over £30,000 for Meningitis Now.
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If you’d like to know more about either of our ambassador programmes,
please contact us on 01453 768000 or email
Gillian and family
This year we held our second Viral Meningitis Awareness Week, with the aim to get people talking about meningitis and being #VocalAboutViral. For each day of the week, our supporters were vocal about the impact of the disease, with their stories being told through the media, with over 21,000 conversations taking place on Facebook and Twitter. Throughout the week, our app downloads increased by 75% with more people contacting us about complementary therapies.
In 2013 we looked at the possible benefit of a number of complementary therapies following viral meningitis, as we wanted to know if they could be helpful in supporting people who still suffer with the after-effects.
In July 2012 Terri had viral meningitis and found it “one of the scariest and most surreal experiences” of her life; losing the use of her body and mind in 48 hours.
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Be Vocal About Viral success
Complementary therapy
Terri’s story
Our celebrity ambassadors – including Dr Ellie Cannon, Dr Ranj and Michelle Heaton – also joined in with our media work throughout the week, appearing on ITV’s Lorraine and posting activity and awareness on social media.
To mark the week in Northern Ireland we held an event in Stormont for members of the health committee and we were delighted that John Linehan, perhaps better known in the province as the character May McFettridge, was able to join local families and speak about the impact the disease has had on them.
We found that those who had acupuncture, cranial osteopathy and reflexology felt that they were of great benefit to the symptoms they experienced post-viral meningitis. A complementary therapy is one that can be used in addition to, or alongside, conventional medicine and
“Looking back now getting the hospital to acknowledge that there was something wrong and to do more than send me off with painkillers was the easy part. Like so many others, I didn’t know how serious viral meningitis was.
“I was left with a range of symptoms including daily headaches; ranging in intensity; limb pains; blurred vision; dizziness; a cloudy head; extreme fatigue; loss of balance; and disturbed sleep.
“I was referred to a neurologist, who told me: ‘I’ve never come across this before but I’m sure you will get better … NOT helpful.
“This was when I went to Meningitis Now for help, support and guidance – which they gave. I was advised to apply for the new complementary therapy study they were doing, working with people who had viral meningitis in the last two years and experienced more than one symptom.
“I applied and chose cranial osteopathy. My treatment started almost on the anniversary of coming down with viral meningitis.
“In the first four weeks I could feel slight changes but nothing major,
We have free services tailored especially for those affected by viral meningitis,
including complementary therapies, counselling, one-to-one support and home
visits. To find out more call 0808 80 10 388.
We are helping to debunk the myth that viral meningitis is always a ‘mild’ disease, emphasising its impact on individuals and families. Our survey found that 97% of victims faced after-effects including exhaustion, headaches, memory loss, depression, anxiety and hearing difficulties, which can make day-to-day tasks difficult.
If you would like to get involved with Viral Meningitis Week in 2015, please fill out the form on our website at www.meningitisnow.org/viralweek
can complement the treatment provided by doctors and other health care professionals. Complementary therapies aim to treat the patient as a whole, looking at all symptoms together, rather than in isolation.
and the process left me very tired.
“Then, after one session, I left steadier on my feet. From the moment I got up I knew that something had changed. After that it just got better and better, my sinuses cleared, the days when I had headaches became less than the days that I didn’t. The intensity of the headaches decreased. Before, when I had one, I would have to sleep – now I function.
“I stopped feeling dizzy and my cloudy head disappeared. I was able to concentrate on conversations and follow the lessons at college. My relationships with friends and family improved and I was able to complete all of my college work on a weekly basis.
“I now hardly ever take painkillers whereas before cranial osteopathy I took them daily.
"It's a shame that this one thing that has helped me is not available on the NHS. It shouldn't be complementory, it should be necessary!"
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How to access the service
Please call our helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or
[email protected] for more information.
New ambassadors join the team
Our ambassadors give their time freely to help spread the word about our work, raise
awareness of the disease and support the fundraising plans we need to meet our
commitment of ongoing support for those rebuilding their lives
following meningitis.
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Adam HensonWe are delighted to welcome BBC Countryfile’s presenter and co-owner of Cotswold Farm Park, Adam Henson, as our latest celebrity ambassador! He has experienced the devastating effects of meningitis through the death of three-year-old Barney, the son of close friends Rod and Anna Adlington, motivating him to become an ambassador and support our work.
In Countryfile magazine, Adam wrote “I’m amazed by the charity’s work to fund pioneering research, raise awareness and support survivors and their families – I had to help. It’s my pleasure to become an ambassador and I look forward to helping as much as I can.”
Our chief executive Sue Davie added: “We’re thrilled to have Adam – such a popular and regarded personality – aiding our work.”
Ellie CannonMeningitis Now is delighted to welcome TV and media doctor Dr Ellie Cannon as our new ambassador! Dr Ellie is known for her role as resident GP in The Mail on Sunday and Woman magazine, along with appearances on Sky News, Good Morning Britain, BBC Breakfast, Channel 5, LBC and BBC Radio.
Alongside her professional media commitments and working as a GP, Ellie is also a mother. She told us “As a GP
I understand the devastation that meningitis can cause to the patient and their family. And as a mother of two, I appreciate the fear that this most terrifying disease strikes into any parent.
"I am committed to increasing understanding of meningitis and its impact and am delighted to become an ambassador for Meningitis Now. Together we can make a real impact in the fight against meningitis.”
Dr Ellie has also just published her first book ‘Keep Calm: The New Mum’s Manual’
which emphasises the importance of trusting maternal instinct in parenting. It guides readers through the ups and downs of bringing up a baby, and aims to increase confidence in the natural ability of new parents. She has kindly given us a copy to give away in our competition! For a chance to win just answer the question: What is the theme for our Toddle Waddle this year? Email your answer to [email protected] by 31 October.
Adam Henson
Ellie Cannon
Michelle HeatonWe are also pleased to welcome popstar and mum Michelle Heaton who has also become an ambassador for Meningitis Now. She chose to support our work and also back our 2014 Time 4 Tea event as her son Aaron Jay contracted meningitis when he was just a few weeks old, earlier this year. Fortunately he has recovered well, but the experience has motivated Michelle to get more involved in fighting the killer disease.
Michelle says; “It was a frightening time when Aaron was so poorly, but being able to talk about it and having Meningitis Now’s support helped me through the difficult time. They were
able to explain what was happening and allay my worst fears. I think it’s vital everybody understands how serious meningitis can be and that sufferers and their families are not afraid to speak about it.”
Michelle Heaton(photo by Anna Fowler)
October12 Yorkshire Marathon
18 Avon Gorge Abseil
25 Fright Hikes in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Stirling
November1 Fright Hikes in Epping Forest, London and Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
December17 Gloucester Christmas Concert
February19-24 Sahara Desert Trek
19 – Kilimanjaro - Machame Trail 1 MAR
March7-17 Cycle Vietnam to Cambodia
April26 Virgin Money London Marathon
May10 Leeds Half Marathon
25 BUPA London 10K
30-31 Edinburgh Marathon Festival
2014-2015 EVENTS CALENDAR
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Wash away your post-summer blues by holding an Under the Sea themed Toddle Waddle.
Danielle Watchman, from Ipswich, along with a team of family and friends, held a Toddle Waddle in memory of Danielle’s daughter, Rhianna. Danielle says; “We held our Toddle Waddle in Holywells Park in Ipswich and it was a lovely sunny day.
Toddle Waddle
Calling all adrenalin seekers
The day provides the perfect opportunity to get together with our other supporters and raise vital funds and awareness, whilst having the adventure of a lifetime. Stepping back over the towering descent of the Avon Gorge - some 190 feet - will be a challenge to remember! Plus you can also enjoy the breath-taking scenery of the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge as you descend.
Taking part in this challenge costs just £39 per person, which includes all the equipment you need and the instructor. With no minimum sponsorship level we would just ask you to raise as much as you can for the charity.
Meningitis Now is offering you the chance to take part in an exhilarating abseil challenge at the Avon Gorge in Bristol on Saturday 18 October in association with Adventure Café.
“Over 60 children and their parents attended, with siblings and grandparents coming to show their support.
“After the waddle, all families were invited to stay for a picnic and face painting. We also treated all our waddlers to drinks and sweet cones to say thank you for taking part.
“It was a lovely time of year to hold one and it was really nice to see so many people attending to raise money and awareness in memory of Rhianna.”
Toddle Waddles can be held whenever and wherever you like. All you have to do is sign up online at www.toddlewaddle.co.uk or call 0845 120 4530 and we will send you a free fundraising pack, containing all the information you need to organise your waddle.
Don’t forget, we have lots of fun and educational Under the Sea themed activities available for download and these can be done before, during or after your sponsored stomp has taken place.
Please contact us on 0845 120 4330
Danielle's Toddle Waddle event
Dust off your teapot and take part in Britain’s best tea party event this year – Time 4 Tea. It’s a great opportunity to gather friends and family.
Make Time 4 Tea
All you need to do is organise a tea or cake-related event at any time. Whether you organise an event at home, work or school, there are lots of fun ways to get involved and help us make a difference.
Our celebrity ambassador pop star Michelle Heaton is supporting this year's Time 4 Tea after her son, Aaron Jay, contracted viral meningitis. Everyone who registers to hold a Time 4 Tea event will receive one of Michelle’s recommended easy-to-make cake recipes.
Michelle says; “I’m delighted to be supporting Meningitis Now’s Time 4 Tea event. Baking cakes is something I’ve gotten into since having the
kids… If I can do it, anyone can!”
Clipper Teas, the UK’s number one Fairtrade Tea company, is also supporting the event. This year’s top fundraiser will be in with the chance to win a lavish hamper courtesy of Clipper Teas. Everyone who signs up will also receive a selection of Clipper tea samples.
For the Cloke household, Time 4 Tea is an annual event, with baking preparations starting three months in advance! Mum Angela hosts Time 4 Tea every year to celebrate her son Sam’s full recovery from meningitis when he was 18 months old. With an open house between 9am and 11pm, friends and family, as well as regular guest Solihull Mayor Joe Tildesley, visit and enjoy breakfast, a lunchtime menu of soup and jacket potatoes and an evening meal. Throughout the day, there is an abundance of cakes, tray bakes and cups of tea also on offer.
To get involved with organising your own Time 4 Tea event, whether it’s in your front room, your garden, or in a local school hall, simply fill out our online registration form at www.time-4-tea.org or call 0845 120 4530. We’ll send you a fundraising pack full of tea party tips and goodies, a recipe from Michelle, balloons, bunting, party invites and delicious tea samples to get you on your way!
Overseas challenges
On this incredible challenge you will trek for four days through this ever-changing landscape and climb to the top of the massive Chigaga Dunes, where we will witness the desert sunrise. The days will be hot, the trekking will be tough, but the rewards of being part of one of the best events around, conquering this desert and the pleasure of having the volcanic Anti-Atlas Mountains as our backdrop will be worth it!
Are you up for the challenge? If you'd like to register or find out any
further information then contact Zoe on 01453
769023 or email [email protected]
On this incredible 400km charity cycle you will go through traditional Vietnamese villages, follow gorgeous streams and rivers, and pass paddy fields beneath stunning mountains.
You will then cross the border into Cambodia and push on to the world-famous temple site of Angkor Wat – arguably one
of the most fascinating wonders of the world. Built from 879–1191AD
by the Khmer civilisation, Ankgor Wat represents one of
mankind’s most astonishing architectural achievements and is certainly the jewel in Cambodia’s crown.
Join us on this long-weekend trek, as we experience the beauty of one of the most breathtaking and largest deserts in the world – the Sahara! Join us on this cycling challenge as
we bike from Vietnam to Cambodia. This breathtaking bike ride will take you from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
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Marking 20 years
Her story starts from when they were born and carries on until the fateful day, before briefly detailing how the surviving sister copes with the aftermath and loss. Samantha says; “The tale’s told through the eyes of the survivor – it’s harsh, even brutal in places, but there is also laughter. It’s a heart-breaking tale with two main elements – the tragedy
of a life needlessly lost and of enduring love and hope despite difficult beginnings."
Magpie in the Sky, published by CreateSpace, is available on Amazon.co.uk, costing about £5 in paperback and £1.85 on Kindle. She will donate some of the proceeds to our work.
Samantha Boyce, 43, lost her twin sister to meningitis when she was 23, within a day of becoming unwell. To mark the 20th anniversary, Samantha penned Magpie in the Sky, recounting their troubled times growing up before the shocking day.
Mum’s triple challenge
“I’m not doing these challenges because I enjoy swimming round lakes or pounding on pavements”, Nichola said “but because I have been so lucky. Evie, starting school, is a massive milestone for a brave little girl who has been through so much in her life already. “Other families though have not been so fortunate, so I wanted to raise
Nichola Conlon, 27, from Newcastle upon Tyne, has completed two triathlon challenges and the Great North Run to mark the milestone of her daughter starting school this September.
The Altrincham-based solicitors Myerson, raised the money through a team of runners successfully completing the Greater Manchester Marathon.
Myerson chose to raise money for us because we provided invaluable support to Richard, a Partner in the commercial property team, and his family when his
niece Isabelle contracted Meningitis B in September 2010.
Isabelle was just seven when she became ill after contracting the disease. For a time, she was in intensive care. Over the week that followed there were signs that Isabelle was slowly stabilising, but her family was told that she would have to have her lower arms and legs amputated as they had been so badly damaged by the septicaemia.
Isabelle underwent her amputation surgery in October 2010 and has since made an amazing recovery. She went back to school in January 2011. She now has prosthetic blades, which she
Former Manchester City football legend Denis Law lined up alongside a team of solicitors to receive a cheque for over £11,000.
Soccer legend in big cheque transfer
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awareness and funds to support those who need help fighting back from meningitis.” Evie suffered damage to the left side of her brain and was completely paralysed down her right side. She had frightening seizures and was unable to talk, walk or even sit up unaided. For six months life consisted of living in a hospital ward constantly waiting for the results of blood tests, EEG readings and MRI scans. But Evie fought back and despite the damage the disease caused her shows every sign of being a normal, happy and healthy four-year-old now.
walks and runs everywhere on, and has prosthetic lower arms with which she can now write, paint and enjoy life to the full.
Carl Newton, Managing Partner at Myerson, said: “It was fantastic to see so many members of staff at Myerson take part in the Greater Manchester Marathon. We are really pleased to have raised such a significant amount of money for Meningitis Now and we are sure it will be put to good use”.
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Myerson Solicitors with Steve Dayman, Denis Law and Becky Dodd
Thank you to…
Hornsea and District Ladies Darts League,
which raised £1,168 by holding various fundraising evenings, raffles and auctions.
Natalie Ritch and those at St Ives Gym,
Cambridgeshire, who raised over £2,500 with a fitness
fundraiser with classes including circuits, body combat and fit steps. Natalie chose us as she suffered from meningitis herself and has made a good recovery.
Keybury Fire and Security, Keighley, who stepped into their walking boots for a sponsored trek of the Pennine Way and raised nearly £1,000 for us.
Jade Elks and Leah Gordon, both 12, from Ilkeston, who raised £421 by doing their own sponsored run in memory of their ‘bampa’ Andy who died from meningitis in 2008, aged 63.
The 60 participants who took part
in our annual eight-miles
Morecambe Bay Walk and helped raise £4,600.
Tanya Yeats, Robert Carroll and their family and friends, from East Calder, who organised various activities such as a sponsored walk, party night and fashion show, Time 4 Tea, ladies’ night, skydives, family night and bungee jump. All in memory of Leah Carroll who died in January. £10,809 was raised.
Shona Simpson and friends, from Fife, who organised a number of activities including a coffee morning/craft fair, a sponsored Zumba night and Colour Me
Rad in memory of her mum. Shona’s mum
had meningitis after brain
surgery and died 11 years later. Her brother has had viral and her son has
had bacterial. £1,414 has been
raised to-date.
Kate Vantreen, from Bristol, who has supported us for 14 years and has now raised over £16,000 through nearly new sales after her friend’s daughter recovered from meningitis.
Barbara Evans, from Powys, whose grandson had meningitis held a charity luncheon, raffle and auction which saw over 200 people attend. We received £9,000 from the event.
Sylvia Roberts-Law and family, from St Neot’s,
who organised a school fundraiser with cake sale, non-school uniform day and raffle at Little Paxton Primary, after her daughter, Hunni, had
meningitis. Over £1,000 was raised.
Eight Carillion PLC employees who took
part in an eight mile Snowdonia Walk and raised £1,081 after Fraser Clarke, who works there, recovered from
viral meningitis.
The 70 golfers who took part in our charity golf day
at Bangor Golf Club and raised £3,500.
Victoria Wills at Chipping Norton Tea Set and Cotswold Concierge for organising an afternoon tea party and raising £736. Victoria lost her niece to meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia 26 years ago.
Emma and Richard Moore, along with their family and friends, for raising over £28,000 since losing their son, George, last October. There has been an amazing amount of events and
community involvement to achieve this wonderful goal.
SERC Beauty Therapy Bangor Campus for
holding a ‘night in Hollywood’ party which included a champagne reception, fashion show, Michael
Bublé tribute act, craft exhibitors,
auction and raffle. £2,800 was raised. We
have been their charity of the year for the past three years.
Tara O’Neill and friends who took part in the Hull 10k, along with her sister Lindsay, have raised £12,407 since Loubie died in January 2013 aged one.
Staff at Sesame Bankhall Group, who helped raise £1,305 through a ‘dress down day’ and a range of other activities. More than 500 people took part. Stephen Gazard, managing director - and also our vice-chairman – chose to support us as his daughter, Ella, was taken hold of by this frightening illness four years ago.
26 27
Hornsea and District Ladies Darts League
Golf day at Bangor Golf Club
Tanya Yeats, Robert Carroll and their family
and friends
Shona Simpson and friends
Tara O’Neill and friends
Keybury Fire and Security
Jade Elks and Leah Gordon
Morecambe Bay Walk
Local to you across the UKKey
Community Support Officer
Community Fundraising Officer
Abigail Floyd0345 120 4870
Cathy Hill0345 340 2452
Matt Croxall0345 120 4884
Simon Taylor0345 120 4766
Lucie Riches0345 340 2453
Shelagh Hopkinson0345 120 2123
Christine Hughes 0345 120 4764
CURRENTLY RECRUITINGFfion Haf
0345 120 [email protected]
Leah Wynn01453 769081
As above CURRENTLY COVERING
Steve Ferbrache01453 769026
Geri Cowell0345 340 2451
Andy Bullock0345 340 2450
Becky Dodd0345 120 4810
Alison Hutchison0845 120 4883
Joanne Wilson0345 120 0663
Judith Cuthbert0345 120 4680
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