Everyone at Meningitis Now is deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of its Patron, Joanna Trollope CBE. The charity is sending its condolences and heartfelt wishes to Joanna’s family and friends.
Joanna had become a Patron of the charity in 2009, after her youngest child Antonia contracted viral meningitis at the age of seven, thankfully going on to make a good recovery.
Joanna was a passionate supporter of Meningitis Now and in 2019 she shared her thoughts about the disease and work of the charity, “I know from personal experience that meningitis, in its early stages, can easily be mistaken for a cold and, without prompt action, can lead to serious after-effects and complications. People must be aware of the symptoms and know that Meningitis Now is here to help.”
Joanna had supported a number of the charity’s campaigns over the years, including “Time4Tea” where she provided her own special recipe for gluten-free flapjacks which were popular in her family.
Meningitis Now Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt said,
“I feel deep sorrow at the news of the death of Joanna Trollope, a longstanding Patron of Meningitis Now. Joanna was a great friend to the charity; a friendship that stemmed from her daughter Antonia’s experience of meningitis, as well as the fact that Joanna was born in Minchinhampton, just minutes away from where Meningitis Now was founded in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Speaking personally, I have lovely memories of Joanna providing the reading at our Christmas Carol Concerts in London. She would leave the audience transfixed with a scene or two from her novels, often with a Christmas theme. Her literary focus on the significance of the small things in daily life always struck a chord with the audience and with the wider Meningitis Now family. Our thoughts are with Joanna’s family and friends”.
