Meningitis Now news Spring issue 6 2016

Spring 2016 issue 6

Cover Image Š Aaron Booth

Marking a milestone year Farewell Sue

Inside this issue 4

30th anniversary

6

Student awareness

campaign

8

Latest news

10

Recognising our

volunteers

12

Our support

14

19 years on – a life changing disease

15

Music to beat

meningitis

16

Time to get #vocalaboutviral

18

Inspiring achievements

20 Events 21 In

calendar

your area

22 Tim's

nine peaks challenge

24 Off

the wall fundraising

26 Thank

you

Receive regular news updates For up-to-date news from Meningitis Now, sign up to our monthly eNews here www.meningitisnow.org/supportus/news-centre/e-news-sign-up/

Welcome to News From strength to strength The last six months have been momentous for Meningitis Now. Our hard work played a major role in securing the introduction of the lifesaving Men B vaccination on the childhood immunisation schedule. We have also supported the Men ACWY vaccine introduction for all 17-18 year olds and first year students. Although this is a tremendous step forward, it is also bittersweet for so many who have lost a loved one to this terrible disease or are living with the impact of meningitis.

Our commitment continues this year as we celebrate our 30th anniversary, paying testament to all the hard work by our volunteers, fundraisers and supporters over the last 30 years, and remembering all those we have supported.

We will be marking this milestone year with an array of activities and events, including our own garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Find out more about our plans on pages 4 & 5.

The next six months will also see us moving forward in our fight against meningitis in the UK. We will continue to push Government to extend the Men B vaccine to all children in families where there has been a case of meningitis, and call for the JCVI recommended adolescent carriage study.

Our student campaign (pages 6 & 7) goes from strength to strength as we build on the 54 UK universities we currently work alongside; raising

meningitis awareness and introducing innovative updates on our student website, Fight for Now. Inside this issue we celebrate the fantastic achievements of those we have supported (pages18 & 19) and thank those that have supported us (pages 26 & 27). We look at how our support can help you (pages 12 & 13), as well as exciting opportunities for you to get involved with Meningitis Now through events (pages 20 & 21) and volunteering (page 11).

On a personal note, I will sadly be stepping down as Chief Executive at Meningitis Now. It has been a fantastic 14 years and I have had the privilege of witnessing so many monumental advancements, incredible achievements and meeting inspirational people since joining the charity. My passion and involvement will continue in my role as a Meningitis Now Ambassador.

I am pleased to announce that our new Chief Executive, Liz Brown, will be joining Meningitis Now in April. Liz has an extensive background in leading charities and the skills, experience and dedication she brings with her will be an asset to the charity moving forward.

Liz and I will be working together to ensure we continue to deliver across all aspects of the charity as we take our next steps towards a future where no one in the UK dies of meningitis and anyone affected gets the support they need.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Sue Davie, Chief Executive

Liam, Jacob, Lauren, Louise and John

An outbreak of meningitis in a small Cotswold town in the 80s initiated the meningitis movement. Families affected by this deadly disease came together for mutual support and to raise public awareness of signs and symptoms, while raising money to fund vital vaccine research.

Thirty years on we're now leading the fight against this debilitating disease.

We have helped fund great advancements in research, and have played a lead role in raising awareness; providing support for those affected and influencing policy-makers to introduce lifesaving vaccines.

Very little was known about the disease, including how to recognise or prevent it and what impact it could have on those affected and their loved ones.

That’s when a small group of people joined forces to become the National Meningitis Trust.

Despite our successes, there is still much to be done. Meningitis remains a real threat and people continue to live with its devastating after-effects. In our 30th year, we remain committed in our fight against meningitis and to secure a future where no one in the UK loses their life to the disease and that everyone affected gets the support they need. Â We are marking our 30th anniversary with a range of exciting events and activities that will help raise even greater awareness of the disease and much-needed funds.

Moving forward; 2016 will see us launch Vision 2020, detailing our strategic priorities until the end of 2020.

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ImageS Š Aaron Booth

Thirty incredible years and still fighting hard

Informed by our ‘Meningitis and Me’ research it includes action on the speed of initial diagnosis and access to support following discharge from hospital; two areas in which we will be looking to make significant progress during our anniversary year.

The futures garden The centrepiece for the year will be a garden at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. Designed by goldmedal winning designer and landscaper John Everiss, the garden is inspired by the spirit and energy of families whose lives have been irrevocably changed by the disease.

Set in a Cotswold-country garden, to reflect the charity’s Stroud-based roots, the garden will feature five statues which will travel across the garden, created from the meningitis experience of four inspirational young people. The fifth statue will represent an all-too-familiar outcome, this being death.

The garden illustrates the way the disease changes lives and the support we offer. We are delighted to have the opportunity to share our meningitis story with the many thousands of people who will visit the show.

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Tell us your meningitis story Sharing your story can inspire others. We want to showcase as many stories as we can and use this inspiration to create national awareness of our ongoing fight against meningitis.

Share your story via our Facebook page on our ‘Your Meningitis Story’ virtual wall, or online at www.meningitisnow.org/ourmeningitis-story

MORE INFO Find out more about our 30th anniversary events, including Meningitis Now founder Steve Dayman’s walking challenge across the UK, visiting places to spell out the word MENINGITIS, online at www.meningitisnow.org

Student volunteers

Campaigning for student awareness Worryingly, we found that one in three students were unable to name a single symptom of meningitis, highlighting the need for a student-focused awareness campaign.

throughout the campaign. October 2015 also saw the launch of our brand new website – Fight for Now.

Targeted at 16-25 year olds, the new platform is designed to create Students a relevant, innovative, easy are particularly to use and more interactive vulnerable to meningitis.

A rise in cases of Men W experience, delivering led to the introduction of awareness and key updates the free ACWY vaccine for to this age group. all 17-18 year olds and

To date, the campaign has seen more than 80 volunteers and three of our corporate partners visit universities throughout the UK, spreading university freshers (19awareness and encouraging 25) last August. them to participate in our first We wanted to give young annual Student Awareness Week people a place to share their voice, (19 - 25 October 2015). filled with relevant, lifesaving content.

With this in mind, the site has been Targeted online and print communications written by our student-focused team with helped us reach students, with social media the help of our Young Ambassadors, who playing a crucial role in raising awareness, will act as a voice for young people across reaching more than two million people the platform.

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MY voice - Louise Poole, Young Ambassador Do you want to die? No? Get the vaccine “I got an email over the summer from the University of Portsmouth.

The subject line: Meningitis

“My sister and I discussed the drive to get students to get vaccinated. She said: ‘Ask them: Do you want to die? If they say no, tell them to get the vaccine.’ Simple, but effective.

“The email was encouraging people to get the Men ACWY vaccine if they hadn’t already. ‘This is awesome!’ was my initial thought.

“I had an incredibly aggressive strain of bacterial meningitis in 2007. I should have died. I was lucky not to be severely brain damaged. My family went through hell and my life was never the same.

“I had my vaccine on 21 August. It was simple; I phoned my GP and made an appointment. I needed no encouragement.

“The after-effects are still here. When you go through that and find out that there was a vaccine all along, you go a little crazy.

“For me, anything to prevent this disease is worth doing, but I guess once you’ve had one strain, and had your life turned upside down, a vaccine is an obvious option.

“So when the government say: ‘Here’s a vaccine’, I jump at the chance.”

Fight for Now “Meningitis Now has built this website for us to use as a place to post blogs, vlogs and photos. Although one aim is to raise awareness of the disease and join in the fight to save lives, a large focus is on rebuilding futures.

Online support

“It’s a place for us to show we’re still human. We’re still students who engage in all the usual student things, we just might have to do it in our own way.

In a world of continually advancing technology, we know people don’t always want to pick up the phone, which is why we can be accessed via our social media channels. Find us on:

“For me this is huge because, honestly, having meningitis sucks. Having an acquired brain injury sucks pretty hard too. With the launch of this site, we have a space to get through it together."

Facebook.com/MeningitisNow Twitter @Meningitisnow Instagram @Meningitis_Now Health Unlocked www. healthunlocked.com/meningitisnow 7

Latest news Research

Dr Caroline Vipond

Dr Myron Christodoulides, the Chairperson of our Scientific and Medical Advisory Panel for the last five years, will sadly be stepping down this month. Dr Christodoulides has been crucial to the success of our research programme and we are really grateful for all his hard work.

We wish him all the best for the future.

With one sad departure comes a big welcome to Dr Caroline Vipond who will be taking on the Chair of the panel role. Her expert knowledge and guidance will help ensure we fund the highest quality research that will make the biggest difference.

Dry 2015 Inspired by ‘Dry January’, Mark McCarthy set himself a challenge on a much bigger scale - ‘Dry 2015’. Mark took on the challenge after his son, Harvey-James, contracted meningococcal septicaemia in January 2004. Harvey was nine months old and, despite the odds, he battled back to health.

Mark said: “Harvey lost all his toes on both feet and digits on each hand, but now enjoys life to the full. He has amazing strength and courage in

Supporter Jaime Christmas has collected every badge we have ever produced – see how many you remember!

everything he does.

I cannot express how different Harvey’s story would have been without charities Mark McCarthy like Meningitis Now, and family continuing the amazing work and research they do. This inspired me to take on the challenge.”

Mark was alcohol free all year and exceeded his fundraising target, raising over £10,000. Congratulations Mark!

Proud mum, Becky, 38, said: “Our lives changed forever the night Liam first became ill at just a few weeks old. Meningitis ravaged his body and he has spent so much time in and out of hospital. He will spend the rest of his life battling the after-effects of this devastating disease.

Harry and Liam Doyle

Youngsters win top bravery award

"But through all that time Harry has been a tower of strength for his younger brother. He did a school project about his hero. While most chose footballers and actors, Harry's was entitled ‘My Brother, My Hero’. It was about how Liam was his hero because he had survived meningitis but it was Harry who saved his brother’s life by watching over him, and it's Harry who helps put his brother into recovery positions after his seizures.”

Congratulations to Harry and Liam Doyle, aged 12 and 5, who won a Children’s Courage Award, recognising their bravery and dedication to raising awareness and funds towards fighting meningitis.

Liam was first struck down with bacterial meningitis in 2010. He has since suffered further attacks and been left with ongoing after-effects, including epilepsy and ataxia.

MPs commit support

awareness and support local people and their communities when dealing with meningitis.

In November we held a parliamentary reception to update MPs on our policy priorities and invite them to become 'futures builders'.

MP's pledge to become The 'futures builder' futures initiative draws together builders a wide range of fundraising and support activities under one umbrella programme that unites our volunteers.

Hosted by Stroud MP Neil Carmichael, the event was attended by 39 MPs from across the political spectrum, including the Shadow Health Secretary Heidi Alexander who shared her own moving meningitis story.

Sue Davie, Chief Executive, said: “We really value the support that MPs can provide the charity and welcome their commitment.

MPs are uniquely placed to influence the way policy-makers and health professionals think about meningitis and we look forward to working with them.”

All the MPs who attended pledged to become 'futures builders' and help us in our bid to rid the country of meningitis. In making this commitment they have agreed to help influence healthcare policy, raise 9

Welcoming Summer to the Young Ambassador team Since our last issue we have welcomed five new Young Ambassadors (YAs), including Summer Whittaker, whose fiancé, Jacob Gray, contracted meningococcal septicaemia in 2013. Jacob was given just a 10% chance of survival but defied the odds and continues to be an avid supporter of Meningitis Now.

Summer has become a passionate supporter for the charity, utilising her skills and experience to help us develop our student campaign and raising awareness on our behalf up and down the country.

Summer said: “Jacob and I had been together one year before he contracted meningitis - as soon as I met him I knew he was something special.

“I felt my heart break when Jacob told me to leave him and live my life but I couldn’t see my future without him. I knew it would be a difficult journey, but meningitis gave us a strength that made our relationship, and us, indestructible.

“We both went through some of our darkest times but the support from Meningitis Now pulled us through.

Jacob and Summer

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“It has been the most difficult chapter of my life and I can never repay Meningitis Now for being there for Jacob when I felt so weak, but I will do all I can to support their future and support anyone in need.”

Toby Adlington, Emma Walker, Louis Van Looy and Jemma Pressman join us as YAs. Emma Moore, Alison Yelland, Julie Jenkins, Alison Westwood, Hannah Pearce, Bob and Barbara Johnson and Cliff and Jeanette Bull join us as Community Ambassadors.

Welcome!

Summer Whittaker

Support and Volunteering Development Manager, Susanne Malcolm, said: “We’re thrilled to have so many of our supporters, like Summer, helping us create a safer and more informed community.

Our CAs and YAs help us by campaigning, fundraising and raising awareness. This could be talking about signs and symptoms at local schools, sharing our social media posts or sharing a meningitis story on our website.

“Their support, enthusiasm and hard work is incredible. They help bring people together to share ideas and experiences, encouraging one another to take up new challenges and raise vital funds and awareness.”

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Our support

If you are living with aftereffects of meningitis and would like to discuss whether complementary therapy might help your recovery, contact our helpline on helpline@meningitisnow.org or 0808 80 10 388.

Complementary therapies Meningitis can leave people with many debilitating after-effects. For the past two years we’ve been offering complementary therapy to help.

Last year, 17 people undertook a course of 10 sessions of acupuncture, cranial osteopathy or reflexology. We found overwhelmingly that these types of therapies had a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of those who took part.

Cranial Osteopathy patient: “I wanted to thank Meningitis Now for arranging and funding this service. The Osteopath I saw was professional, reassuring and empathetic. I was very impressed and I am very much looking forward to the forthcoming treatment. I feel positive about the effect it will have.”

How complementary therapies can help

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Apply for a financial grant or find out more about the support we offer at www.meningitisnow.org/support or call our helpline on 0808 80 10 388.

How we’ve helped

Financial support grants Financially, meningitis can have a huge and unexpected impact upon lives, adding extra burden at a difficult time.

We award more than £250,000 every year to those affected by meningitis to help reduce these pressures through our financial grants programme. This could fund: specialist equipment, therapy, travel and accommodation for hospital visits, funeral and headstone expenses, or rehabilitation.

“Meningitis Now has been great to our family by funding three years of Audio Verbal UK speech therapy – this has been invaluable to us.”

“Thank you so much for this grant – it is much appreciated. The support I have received from Meningitis Now is fantastic.”

“The grant will let us renew the lease on a vehicle for our son. Without it he has no way of getting out of the house - he is a prisoner in his own home. It takes him to his day centre, hospital appointments, respite care and family days out. We can’t thank you enough for helping us.”

Believe and Achieve weekends 2016 Our popular Believe and Achieve Weekends will be held on 4-5 June and 8-9 October. Funded

by BBC Children in Need, these weekends give teenagers affected by meningitis the chance to get to know others affected by the disease, testing their nerves, building their confidence and having fun. Email believe@meningitisnow. org for more information.

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19 years on - a life changing disease “It’s been 19 years but I will never forget the agonising time leading up to Curtis’ diagnosis of neonatal group B streptococcal meningitis (GBS). We were told he was unlikely to survive, and if he did, he would be severely brain damaged, and unable to walk or talk.” Nicola Poole

19-year-old Curtis Poole

Curtis contracted meningitis just hours after he was born. Against all odds he fought the disease, but, 19 years on, he continues to suffer with life -changing after-effects.

Mum, Nicola, said: “At 19, Curtis has the developmental age of a 7 or 8-year-old. He suffers from autism, developmental delay, shortterm memory loss, anxiety, visual impairment, poor speech and muscle weakness down one side. new wet room gives him the confidence to shower alone. He needs his privacy and it means we can be reassured that he won’t hurt himself. He’s had a lot of input to get it how he wants it and it makes such a huge difference to everyday life.”

“It was not until recently that his anxiety and muscle weakness were diagnosed, so it’s impossible to be able to understand the full impact of meningitis because many of his after-effects only became apparent recently.”

Meningitis Now funded a new wet room for Curtis, enabling him to shower unaided safely, giving him the independence and privacy he requires.

As Curtis’ story highlights, the effects of meningitis can last a lifetime and the true impact of meningitis may not be felt for years to come. The support we provide is for life and we are here whenever it’s needed.

“Curtis had a fall in the shower, bruising his hip quite badly. This 14

Music to beat meningitis only attempt something once, if at all, which can be difficult for his family.

Our financial support can be used in a variety of ways. One avenue that has helped a multitude of young people combat the after-effects of meningitis is music.

Drumming lessons have helped improve Ben’s confidence and control his emotions, resulting in a calmer, motivated and focussed attitude.

Ten-year-old Ben Halliday suffers from ADHD and anxiety, and has turned to drumming lessons to help manage his condition, which developed after he contracted pneumococcal meningitis at just five months old.

Catherine, Ben’s mum, said: “Music is a big part of Ben’s life. He really enjoys playing the drums and recognises he is really good. The lessons give him an aim; something to practise and improve. He has joined a junior brass band so feels proud to be part of something that, in his words, is ‘normal and accepted’ and it helps him socialise.

It took Ben three months to recover from the physical effects of meningitis, but emotionally he still suffers. Ben has confidence issues, noise sensitivity, a short temper and some behavioural issues. He is often negative and will

“The lessons have also improved his home life and school work.

When his confidence is high, particularly after his drum lessons, he goes on to read well and willingly does his homework because he feels like he can achieve things.”

Ben Halliday enjoying drum lessons

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Time to get

#vocalaboutviral Our fourth annual viral meningitis awareness week takes place 2-8 May Viral meningitis can affect anyone – there are up to 6,000 cases every year in the UK, making it more common than bacterial meningitis.

these myths and raise awareness about the long-term problems sufferers can face.

Prevalent in the summer months, viral meningitis turns lives upside down. However, because it’s rarely life threatening, it is often underestimated by the public, health professionals and employers.

Although most people will make a full recovery, the process can be slow, and the effects can be life-long. We conducted a survey, which found that 97% of viral meningitis sufferers face debilitating after-effects including: exhaustion, headaches, memory loss, depression, anxiety and hearing difficulties.

© CreativE Commons 2016

Many feel that recovery and after-effects aren’t fully understood, therefore they are dismissed as having the ‘milder’ form of the disease. During this week we look to dispel

As a result, many are forced to take long periods off education or work, and struggle with day-to-day tasks that most people take for granted.

Roger Daltrey

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Been affected by viral meningitis?

Don’t face it alone – call our helpline on 0808 80 10 388.

Viral meningitis can affect anyone. In September 2015, lead singer of The Who, Roger Daltrey, was diagnosed with viral meningitis, leading to the cancellation of tour dates.

Tracy’s story phased return. I’ve had extreme fatigue and headaches, but I’ve been working through it, getting stronger day by day.

Thirty-six-year-old Tracy collapsed with viral meningitis in January 2015. Twelve months on we spoke to Tracy about her ongoing battle: “I felt funny on the Sunday and on Monday woke with an immense headache which got worse. Then the dizziness and photosensitivity came.

“I had a relapse when I completed my first week on full 9-5 hours. I got a headache, shooting pains and photosensitivity. Shortly after I collapsed again.

“I went to Boots for advice and they thought it was a migraine - but then I collapsed. I couldn’t stand, open my eyes or move. They called Please for an ambulance and I was contact our taken in. By then I had a helpline on 0808 80 neck ache too.

10 388 or helpline@

“I was taken to hospital and released over seven hours later when I could walk meningitisnow.org again. The left hand side of for more support my body took longer to come “I was initially treated for information. back. I couldn’t speak for an bacterial meningitis but hour and I couldn’t move my when they realised it was viral arms for at least three hours.

I was released.

“Meningitis Now has helped me no end. I’ve had support through the helpline and the local support team when no one else would, or could, understand. The charity’s expertise is invaluable - they know others who have been through similar experiences, which is reassuring and helpful as GPs don’t seem to understand this illness.

They have organised reflexology for me which is helping so much - I feel wonderful after it.”

“It took four months before I went back to work on a phased return.

Then one day the shooting pains started, followed by dizziness and photosensitivity. My whole body went weak again. I couldn’t talk, open my eyes or move, so I went to hospital overnight.

“They said it was the aftermath of meningitis and I had done too much.

Share your viral meningitis story www. meningitisnow.org/support-us/newscentre/share-your-story/

“I finally began working again at the end of July, back on a 17

Inspiring achievements Many of those we support go on to do incredible things, from competing in the Paralympics, completing world renowned treks and winning awards. Lauren, Helen and Rosie are just three of these people.

A spoke-tacular achievement

Adding to her victory, Lauren also won the 2000m pursuit (2:53.9 minutes) and 500m time trial (41.12 Huge congratulations to Lauren and HRH Prince Harry seconds). As a fitting end meningitis survivor, 14-yearto a hugely successful day, old Lauren Booth, who clinched Lauren had a chance encounter a new British Para Cycling record with HRH Prince Harry at the track. in November in the Youth Omnium Challenge at the Manchester Para Cycling Her ever growing list of Track International. achievements includes raising thousands of pounds for us by Lauren achieved 13.597 seconds in the cycling from Wiltshire to Stroud flying 200m time trial, which is a new and sharing the track with cycling British record. She narrowly missed out royalty, Sir Chris Hoy. on beating the current world record, Well done Lauren! which stands at 13.551 seconds.

Young Ambassador is Salford’s ‘Young Rising Star’ battling meningitis when she was just seven years old. Despite overcoming the illness, she developed chronic kidney disease and ME. As a result, Rosie spent most of her teenage years in and out of a wheelchair, and was forced to miss five years in mainstream school.

Hats off to Rosie Heaton, who won the 2015 ‘Young Rising Star’ award at the Salix Stars Awards in Salford.

The award recognises people who have volunteered their time and Rosie celebrates the amazing work Heaton being done by people in the local community.

Rosie said: “I try not to let my ME hold me back, because it’s just something that’s there and you have to move on

Rosie won the award after 18

Hard work recognised with prestigious award The hard work and inspiring actions of Helen Dolphin were recognised at Buckingham Palace, where she received MBE status.

The honorary title was awarded to Helen following the outstanding work she has done for disabled people in the UK. Helen lost both hands and her legs above the knee when she contracted meningococcal septicaemia on Christmas Day in 1997.

Helen’s achievements have been phenomenal, from studying for a law degree to setting up a parking accreditation scheme, called ‘People’s Parking’, to help people find a car park to suit their needs, and most recently her MBE title.

Helen said: “I was thrilled to be invited to Buckingham Palace to receive my

Helen Dolphin receives her MBE

MBE – it was such an honour and I hope I can inspire people with disabilities to strive for greater things, as well as changing people’s attitudes and understanding towards people with disabilities.”

with your life. It has been difficult at times because I was in a wheelchair for a long time, but that’s just life.”

vaccine, which became available as part of the childhood immunisation programme in September.

Rosie has fully immersed herself into her role as a Young Ambassador, fundraising over £6,000 and campaigning alongside us for the introduction of the Men B

Rosie added: “I’m pretty proud... because I We love to wanted to make a hear about your accomplishments. difference and lots Everyday we are encouraged of lives are going and motivated by your stories. to be saved.”

Let us know what you’ve 19

been up to, email: press@meningitisnow.org

Events Calendar 2016 UK events

24 April London Marathon April – September Tough Mudder Join us for the ultimate test of your strength, stamina and determination as you take on your opportunity to become a Tough Mudder. Push your body to the limits as you slip, slide and climb your way to the finish line.

30 May London 10,000 11 June Great North Swim 24–26 June Three Peaks Challenge

9 October Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon

Overseas events

3 April Marathon de Paris

31 July Ride London

20 – 24 April London to Paris Cycle

11 September Great North Run

2-9 April, 10-17 April The Husky Trail Leave civilisation behind you for one of our most unforgettable and unique experiences available.

Spend six days sledding through Lapland with your own team of huskies, witnessing magnificent views of the Northern Lights and gaining a true ‘hands on’ experience.

25 September Five Valleys Walk 6-9 October The Lake District Challenge Conquer eight peaks in the Lake District during this epic weekend adventure, filled with spectacular views to take your breath away.

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8 – 12 June 3 Cities Cycle 29 June – 3 July Iceland Trek

and place that suits you – just round up friends, family, colleagues and neighbours for a slice of cake and a cuppa.

18 – 28 August Kilimanjaro Challenge Pack your bags and climb one of the highest mountains in the world on one of the most impressive and iconic treks available.

Mile of Fun Be one of the first to take on our brand new event – Milo’s Mile of Fun. Get sponsored to complete your mile in a funny, unique, energetic or silly way – the choice is yours!

8 – 17 September China Trek 21 – 25 September Trek Mount Toubkal

All year round Time 4 Tea One of our easiest, and most enjoyable, events to organise. Your Time 4 Tea can be at a time

Events in your area NORTHERN IRELAND 2 May Remember to Run Brave the Belfast City Marathon and help us beat meningitis. Full support given, with a free running vest and training pack.

Scotland and NORTHERN IRELAND

2 April Glasgow 16 April Belfast Zipline Challenge Be a dare-devil and join our 30th anniversary 21

celebrations by zipping across the River Lagan or the Clyde for an experience you’ll never forget!

Scotland

28 and 29 May Edinburgh Marathon Festival With seven races on offer over two days; including the marathon, team relay and junior races, there really is something for everyone!

South West

10th April Bristol Harbourside Walk We have teamed up with regional airline BMI for this scenic five mile walk, passing some of Bristol’s most vibrant and unique attractions.

Starting at @Bristol, take in the sights and sounds of the city on this circular route, winding up in Millennium Square. Visit www. meningitisnow.org/ harbourside to register.

Pik e Sca fel l

evi s nN Be

Sn ow den

Tim Wiliams and Jason Thomas

Tim’s Nine Peaks Challenge Supporter, Tim Williams, has given the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ a whole new meaning, signing up for the epic trek for the third time.

We asked him what inspired him to keep on trekking.

What made you sign up to the Three Peaks Challenge…then twice more after that?

“Two reasons. Firstly to challenge myself – I’ve always loved the outdoors and the Three Peaks was something I was very keen to get involved with.

nervous, but I need not have worried. The event organisation and safety team is top notch - they make it so rewarding and are there for you throughout.

“Everyone has the same goal and, although abilities vary, it doesn’t matter because you’re a team, keeping spirits up every step of the way (and there are quite a few steps!).

“Secondly, I have friends that have been directly affected by meningitis so I thought that it was a great opportunity to raise much needed funds and achieve a life goal.

“My challenge starts at a Travelodge in Bristol - the 4am alarm is a wakeup call to what’s in store! But before you know it we’re at the beautiful Snowdon. Everyone’s full of energy and enthusiasm, checking kit before breaking into groups. Walking boots on and we’re off!

“After my first challenge I said never again, but after meeting so many wonderful people and hearing their inspiring stories I wanted to have another go. The second challenge was incredibly hard for me so I came to the conclusion that I needed to come back in 2017 for a final time.

“After plenty of stops for snacks and water, we’re approaching the summit before you know it, joined by the wind and the rain for that

Tell us about your Three Peaks experience “On the first challenge I was so 22

the way and excitement building as we reach the drop off point. This is when all those long training walks start to really help.

final push. You pick up a new lease of life as you stride for that obligatory summit photo and a record of achievement for the memory bank.

“If you’re lucky you see snow as you climb and, after hours of one foot in front of the other and “are we there yet” questions, the summit is in sight.

“After a quick stop for food it’s down we go, remembering reaching the top is only a job half done.

“Reaching the peak of Ben Nevis is a marvellous feeling - the views are incredible and the elation of reaching the highest point in the UK is indescribable. You have the descent to get through but every step gets you closer to that cold beer at the bottom.

“One down two to go...

“When arriving at Scafell Pike, the thought of a night climb is a bit daunting and the realisation sinks in that you’re part of a challenge.

“We walk single file up the mountain - tricky ground and a boulder field make for a few hours of hard concentration. A good head torch and spare batteries are a must.

“Challenge finished! It’s time for an evening of celebrations and reminiscing before the presentations. These are very special - the certificate, t-shirt and most importantly, the acknowledgement that you’ve achieved something amazing. Listening to the applause from your fellow challengers, safety team and organisers is a great feeling.”

“After navigating the boulder field, the elation of knowing you’re not far from the summit drives you on. Upon reaching the peak there’s a short break before the call is made to get ready to leave. Down we go.

“Two mountains completed.

“This is probably one of the toughest parts of the challenge - your legs ache and tiredness kicks in. That’s when my music playlist comes in handy, trying to relax and forget about the final mountain!

What would you say to someone thinking about taking part?

“Do it! It’s a really great challenge and an experience you’ll never forget.”

“It’s a long journey to Ben Nevis, taking in stunning scenery along

The experience in three words: "Amazing, rewarding, unforgettable."

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George Placidi

George’s around the world cycle man, cycling through South East Asia and Europe before arriving in the UK.

Twenty-one-year-old George Placidi put his foot to the pedal to cycle 25,000 kilometres in a spoketacular fundraiser for us.

He began his epic journey in Auckland, New Zealand, in November and plans to cycle back to the UK over the next year to raise money for us.

Are you up for an overseas challenge of your own?

Contact Leah on 01453 769081 or leahw@ meningitisnow.org to find out about the challenges we have available.

George has chosen to fundraise for us after best friend, and one of our Young Ambassadors, Mat Johnstone, contracted meningococcal group Y in November 2010.

To sponsor George, please visit his Just Giving Page at www. justgiving.com/George-Placidi

His route will take him across mountain ranges, deserts and through some of the harshest terrains known to 24

Supporter runs circles around Five Valleys route “Have you ever wondered what you would do one Sunday morning?

‘Let’s go for a little jog’ one might say. Well, this little jog turned into nearly two marathons.” Steven Sawyer

Steven Sawyer

After completing the Five Valleys route before lunch, energetic Steven took on the 21-mile circuit twice in one day.

“By 1pm I was back at Eastcombe having done my loop, facing a dilemma: I had just run 25 miles that morning, so what should I do now?

“I must admit that I recall this day with fond memories. The Five Valleys Walk brings out the best of Stroud and I would highly recommend anyone to give it a go.

And if you find you get around the route quicker than expected, you can always go around again and again...”

“I thought, maybe I should just run home to Bisley, but what next? I have a bright idea...let’s run around again! So off I went, back towards Lypiatt, passing the people I had seen previously.

“By the time I reached Nailsworth I was starting to tire. I faced the climb up and over the common, before I was met by the recovery period downhill to Brimscombe. A hard struggle up the Toadsmoor Valley followed, and back to Eastcombe for 6pm.

The Five Valleys Walk is one of our most loved and successful annual events.

Immerse yourself in 21 miles of beautiful scenery through the Five Valleys, helping us fight against meningitis.

Participants can choose their distance and a pace to suit them – there’s an option for everyone.

“By this time the bus had already left and I was on my own feeling shattered having run 42 miles, the most I had ever run in a single day.

Two elderly ladies took pity on me and drove me back to Bisley which I very much appreciated.

Sign up for this year’s event at www. meningitisnow.org/support-us/ featured-events/five-valleyswalk-2016/ 25

Thank you to…

Ben Williams and his ‘Nuts Challenge’ team. The team of 22 from Surrey took on one of the most challenging military style assault courses in the UK, raising an incredible £11,800, taking Ben’s fundraising total to nearly £19,000.

The Aaron Devlin jersey

The Devlin family and friends who raised £15,000 through the sale of the Aaron Devlin Tribute Jersey and various fundraiser events. The family would also like to thank Ballinderry Shamrocks GAC and Ballinderry NI for their help.

The Bands in the Carpark fundraiser at The King Alfred, held in memory of Stuart Cullen, who was tragically killed in Tunisia, raising £10,500 for us.

Maurice Drury who raised £1,000 at her Christmas Cracker Concert on 4 December at the Queen’s Parade Methodist Church in Bangor. The enjoyable evening saw performances from Bangor Ladies Choir and seasonal music conducted by Paul Briggs.

Community Ambassador, Ian Watkinson, who raised more than £7,000 by hosting a golf fundraiser in memory of his grandson.

A Blingo evening organised by Michelle Bresnahan raising £18,000 for us through a Life for a Cure. Michelle’s incredible campaign has already raised over £360,000.

Our volunteers and Young Ambassador Enya Boyce who supported spooktacular fundraising by Creative Gardens, raising £1,389 for us.

Kings Park Primary School, in Lurgan Northern Ireland, who donated a fantastic £1,100 in memory of Leo Wells.

Blingo evening

Louise Gardner for holding a masquerade summer ball on 5 September in memory of her son Cameron Grieve, who died of meningitis just before his fifth birthday. A silent auction and a raffle took place and they raised £4,500 for us.

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Congratulations to Charles Martin, Charlotte Thompson and Simon Dunn who ran the Glasgow Half Marathon for us in October. Over 15,000 runners took part, and the three of them finished in 8,938th, 8,939th and 8,940th, raising over £1,200.

Football fundraiser

Steven Gray for organising a Football tournament between St Convals Select and Malcolm’s Select, as well as a race night, raising £1,800.

Sheila Hand for organising a flower arranging demonstration, raising a blooming good £1,115.

Cumbria Cyclones’ touch rugby competition at Whitehaven Rugby League Club, raising over £1,000. The event was organised by Andrew Beattie after his daughter, Elsie, contracted pneumococcal meningitis.

Charles Martin, Charlotte Thompson and Simon Dunn

Kirkcaldy High School in Fife which raised £1,000 throughout 2015 by holding dress down days and bake sales.

Alec and Victoria Shillaker for winning £10,000 for us and fundraising an additional £2,800 by completing the incredible challenge of trekking Aconcagua.

Mollie Haworth for raising nearly £170 by holding an awareness day and fundraiser at Kirklees College.

Kirkcaldy High School

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Fantastic fundraising

On the front cover Our front cover shows four young people who have overcome meningitis being scanned for our Futures Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with award winning designer and landscaper, John Everiss

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Meningitis Now Fern House, Bath Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3TJ Tel: 01453 768000 Email: info@meningitisnow.org Web: www.MeningitisNow.org www.fightfornow.org

Registered Charity Number (England & Wales) 803016 (Scotland) SCO37790 Company Registration Number 2469130 Š Meningitis Now 2016