Meningitis Now BBC Lifeline Appeal
We’re proud to be featured in a BBC Lifeline Appeal, giving Meningitis Now a powerful opportunity to bring meningitis into the national spotlight and share why urgent awareness, specialist support and continued research matter so much.
The appeal helps more people understand the speed and seriousness of meningitis, the long-term impact it can have on individuals and families, and the difference Meningitis Now makes for anyone affected.
From lifesaving awareness to emotional, practical and financial support, we are here for people at every stage of their meningitis journey.
Broadcast and viewing information
The BBC Lifeline Appeal for Meningitis Now aired on BBC One on 4th October and can now be watched on BBC iPlayer.
Watch the appeal on BBC iPlayer.
About the appeal film
The film features the voices and experiences of people affected by meningitis, including Graeme & Gail, David & Russell and Arthur & Alex. Their stories help show how meningitis can change lives in an instant and why no one should have to face the aftermath alone.
Graeme and Gail share the bereavement support they received from Meningitis Now after the devastating loss of their daughter Katherine.
David and Russell tell how our Helpline helped them access the care and support they needed after David's life-changing meningitis diagnosis.
Arthur and Alex highlight how support from our Rebuilding Futures Fund helped Arthur rebuild confidence and develop his spoken language after life-changing hearing loss caused by meningitis.
We're also proud to be working with Seema Jaswal, one of Meningitis Now's Celebrity Ambassadors and a valued long-standing supporter of the charity.
Having experienced meningitis B as a teenager and been seriously unwell, Seema understands first-hand the impact meningitis can have on individuals and families. Through the appeal, she helps raise vital awareness of meningitis and the lasting impact of the disease with audiences across the country.
Why this matters
Meningitis can affect anyone, at any age, and can become life-threatening very quickly. For those who survive, recovery can be complex and long-lasting, with physical, emotional and financial challenges that may continue for months, years or even a lifetime.
Tragically, some families lose someone they love to meningitis and face the devastating impact of bereavement.
At Meningitis Now, we save lives and rebuild futures by funding research, raising awareness and providing free support for people across the UK whose lives have been affected by meningitis.
From bereavement support and our Helpline service to financial assistance through our Rebuilding Futures Fund and beyond, we're here to help people navigate life during and after meningitis.
By watching, sharing and supporting the appeal, you can help more people recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis, access the help they need, and feel less alone after.
Thank you to everyone making this possible
We are incredibly grateful to the people, families, partners and production team helping to bring this appeal to life. Sharing personal experiences of meningitis is never simple, and we are honoured that those involved are using their voices to help others understand the reality of the disease and its lasting impact.
A special thank you to Graeme & Gail, David & Russell, and Arthur & Alex for so generously sharing their experiences as part of the appeal film, and to Seema Jaswal, our Celebrity Ambassador and long-standing supporter, for helping us raise vital awareness of meningitis and its lasting impact.
We would also like to thank Carter-Ruck, long-standing supporters of Meningitis Now, for their generous match-funding support of the BBC Lifeline Appeal. They have pledged to match public donations pound for pound, up to a total of £2,500.
We are incredibly grateful for their continued commitment to supporting people affected by meningitis, helping donations made during the appeal go even further.
Most of all, thank you to every supporter who gives, shares, watches or helps spread the word. Your support helps us continue our vital work so that more lives can be saved and more people affected by meningitis can rebuild their futures.
Visit our appeal page
You can watch the film and donate through our BBC Lifeline appeal page. Help us share the appeal with friends, family and your wider networks.
Why we do what we do
The Lifeline appeal film will be aired on BBC1 - 12:35 pm on 4th October. It will then be repeated on BBC2 - 6th Oct at 01:05 am and 9th Oct BBC2 - 12:50 pm. The film will be available to view on the Lifeline website until 25th October 2026.
When the Lifeline Appeal goes live, you will be able to watch the appeal film and donate through our BBC Lifeline Appeal page. Check back here to watch the appeal film in full.