“We’ve had amazing support from everyone at the charity. It’s just nice to know that someone cares and thinks about you."
Family and friends of student, Katie, who contracted meningitis in her first year at university, remember her in a 22 mile walk.
Katie's mum, Karen, from Harrogate in Yorkshire, tells us about Katie and why her friends and family want to give back to Meningitis Now.
“On Saturday 12 September 22 friends and family members, including brother Matt, met to walk the 24 miles of the Yorkshire Three Peaks in memory of Katie Robinson, who we lost to meningitis in March 2025.
“Ten joined us along the way and 12 walkers completed all three peaks, despite horrendous wind and rain all day! The team were supported by dad Ian and a small team of helpers providing food, hot drinks, transport and shelter.
“So far we have raised over £11,000. It was an amazing way to remember her and also raise money for this important charity.
First year at uni
“Katie was 19-years-old and in her first year at Newcastle University when she contracted meningitis.
“She only felt unwell for 36 hours with what we thought was a flu like virus and she was sitting in A&E with a severe headache just hours before we lost her. It was so unbelievably quick to go from full health in such a short time.
“Not only have our family’s lives been devastated, but all Katie’s friends have struggled to come to terms with what has happened. I think we are all still in shock.
"Coming together for the weekend, sharing memories and completing the challenge whilst raising money has helped us all in lots of ways.
Amazing support
“We’ve had amazing support from everyone at the charity that we have come into contact with. I don’t know what we would have done without them – having someone who understands the impact and pain caused by suddenly losing someone who was healthy and in the prime of their life has been invaluable.
“I received regular phone calls and have been contacted when outbreaks have appeared in the media. It’s just nice to know that someone cares and thinks about you.
“We think about Katie every day and regret that we didn’t know enough about the illness or the vaccine. I am now signed up as a volunteer and we will continue to raise awareness where possible.”
To sign up to volunteer with us please visit our volunteering page.
